In vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of the novel vitamin E ether analogue RRR-alpha-tocopheryloxybutyl sulfonic acid in prostate cancer.

Purpose: Among derivatives of alpha-vitamin E, alpha-vitamin E succinate (VES), has attracted much attention due to its potent anti-prostate cancer activity in vitro and in vivo. However, the in vivo antitumor activity of VES might be compromised if administrated orally due to the VES hydrolysis by esterases in the gastrointestinal tract.

Experimental Design: New nonhydrolyzable VES ether analogues were synthesized and their growth inhibition was screened by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide growth assay.