Cytotoxic quinolines (Part 3). Synthesis of 1-azolylalkyl-4(1H)-quinolones as cytotoxic agents.

A series of 1-azolylalkyl-4(1H)-quinolones has been synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activity both in vitro and in vivo. The effects on cytotoxicity of varying substitution on the quinoline moiety was investigated. The insertion of a 5-amino group proved to be the most effective modification, resulting in a several-fold increase in cytotoxicity in vitro. Previously reported results indicated that the activity of this class of compounds may involve topoisomerase inhibition, but investigation of the current compounds has ruled out this possibility. One compound, 13, showed in vitro cytotoxicity notably superior to Adriamycin, however it demonstrated only slight or no in vivo efficacy depending on the model used.