Optimized N-phenyl-N′-(2-chloroethvl)ureas as potential antineoplastic agents:: Synthesis and growth inhibition activity

In our ongoing research program aimed at the optimization of microtubule-self-assembly disrupting agents, we have prepared three series of phenylurea analogues (CEU), derived from N-(3-omega-hydroxyalkyl or 4-omega-hydroxyalkyl or 3-omega-hydroxyalkynyl)phenyl-N'-(2-chloroethyl)ureas. Most compounds exhibit potent growth inhibitory activity on human colon carcinoma HT-29, human skin melanoma M21, and human breast carcinoma MCF-7 tumor cell lines, with a GI(50) ranging from 250 nM to 8 mu M. Among these new molecules, three CEUs exhibit GI(50) in the nanomolar range. They are more potent by approximately an order of magnitude than previously described CEU analogues. As such, they are attractive hit compounds for the development of potent new alkylating antitubulin drugs. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.