Next-Generation Hypoxic Cell Radiosensitizers: Nitroimidazole Alkylsulfonamides

J Med Chem. 2018 Feb 8;61(3):1241-1254. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01678. Epub 2018 Jan 11.

Abstract

Innovations in the field of radiotherapy such as stereotactic body radiotherapy, along with the advent of radio-immuno-oncology, herald new opportunities for classical oxygen-mimetic radiosensitizers. The role of hypoxic tumor cells in resistance to radiotherapy and in suppression of immune response continues to endorse tumor hypoxia as a bona fide, yet largely untapped, drug target. Only nimorazole is used clinically as a radiosensitizer, and there is a dearth of new radiosensitizers in development. Here we present a survey of novel nitroimidazole alkylsulfonamides and document their cytotoxicity and ability to radiosensitize anoxic tumor cells in vitro. We use a phosphate prodrug approach to increase aqueous solubility and to improve tumor drug delivery. A 2-nitroimidazole and a 5-nitroimidazole analogue demonstrated marked tumor radiosensitization in either ex vivo assays of surviving clonogens or tumor regrowth delay.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Hypoxia / drug effects
  • Cell Hypoxia / radiation effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Drug Discovery
  • Female
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Nitroimidazoles / chemistry*
  • Nitroimidazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Nitroimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Nitroimidazoles / toxicity
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / toxicity
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Nitroimidazoles
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents