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Tumor‐Targeting of EGFR Inhibitors by Hypoxia‐Mediated Activation
Author(s) -
KarnthalerBenbakka Claudia,
Groza Diana,
Kryeziu Kushtrim,
Pichler Verena,
Roller Alexander,
Berger Walter,
Heffeter Petra,
Kowol Christian R.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201403936
Subject(s) - egfr inhibitors , prodrug , epidermal growth factor receptor , cancer research , pharmacology , in vivo , tyrosine kinase , chemistry , hypoxia (environmental) , receptor , medicine , biology , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , organic chemistry , oxygen
The development of receptor tyrosine‐kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was a major step forward in cancer treatment. However, the therapy with TKIs is limited by strong side effects and drug resistance. The aim of this study was the design of novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors that are specifically activated in malignant tissue. Thus, a Co III ‐based prodrug strategy for the targeted release of an EGFR inhibitor triggered by hypoxia in the solid tumor was used. New inhibitors with chelating moieties were prepared and tested for their EGFR‐inhibitory potential. The most promising candidate was coupled to Co III and the biological activity tested in cell culture. Indeed, hypoxic activation and subsequent EGFR inhibition was proven. Finally, the compound was tested in vivo, also revealing potent anticancer activity.