Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel 20s-camptothecin analogues.

Abstract In an effort to decrease the toxicity and improve the stability of labile lactone ring of camptothecin, nitrogenous heterocyclic aromatic groups were introduced into 20-position of camptothecin and seventeen new 20s-camptothecin derivatives were obtained in quantitative yield. The cytotoxicity in vitro on three cancer cell lines and the stability of the lactone in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) of these derivatives were evaluated. Most of these tested derivatives possessed better cytotoxicity than topotecan. Analogues 6 , 12 exhibited the best antitumor activity in vivo in all derivatives we prepared. The results suggested that introduction of pyrazole in 10- or 20-position of camptothecin could promote antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo, simultaneously bring much increase of the stability of lactone.