6-Hydroximino-4-aza-A-homo-cholest-3-one and related analogue as a potent inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells

► The steroidal lactams 1 and 2 displayed distinct antiproliferative activity. ► The 1 and 2 induced apoptosis in cancer cells by activation of the intrinsic pathway. ► The 1 inhibited tumor growth in an athymic mouse model.