Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Breast Cancer Activity of Novel Fluorinated 7--Modified Genistein Derivatives.

Background: Genistein has been limited in clinical application due to its low bioavailability, extremely poor liposolubility, and fast glycosylation rate, though it possesses anti-breast cancer activity. Therefore, the discovery of novel genistein derivatives is an urgency.

Objective: To enhance the anti-breast cancer activity of genistein, a series of novel fluorinated genistein derivatives were synthesized.

Methods: Their in vitro antitumor activity was investigated by the MTT assay against three cancer cell lines, via, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-435, respectively.

Results: Analogs 1d, 2b, and 3b showed remarkable anticancer activities compared to tamoxifen, a clinical anti-breast cancer drug on the market.

Conclusion: The activities against breast cancer of genistein were enhanced by introducing the 7- alkoxyl group and fluorine atom into the B-ring. Therefore, these compounds may be potential candidates for treating breast cancer.