Cytogenetic and antineoplastic effects by newly synthesised steroidal alkylators in lymphocytic leukaemia P388 cells in vivo

These results suggest that the in vivo cytogenetic effects in conjunction with the antineoplastic activity of modified steroidal alkylators depend on the configuration of the whole molecule and on the appropriate combination of the alkylator with the steroidal molecule: a pronounced cytogenetic and anti-neoplastic action was demonstrated by the compounds that contain either PHE or CHL as alkylators and are esterified with either a steroidal nucleus that carries a cholesten group in the 17 position of the D-ring, or with a steroidal nucleus having an exocyclic NHCO-group in the D-ring. In contrast, a ketone group or an NHCO-group in the D-ring inserted endocyclically in the steroidal nucleus esterified with either CHL or PHE failed to induce cytogenetic or anti-neoplastic effects.