Synthesis and antileukemic activity of 16E-[4-(2-carboxy)ethoxybenzylidene]-androstene amides

In order to determine the structural requirements for cytotoxicity against various tumor cell lines, a new series of 16E-arylidene androstene amides with varying degrees of unsaturation in ring A has been synthesized. Characterization and invitro cytotoxic studies of the newly synthesized compounds are discussed. The compounds on evaluation against various tumor cell lines exhibited significant growth inhibition on leukemia cell lines. 3-Chloro-16E-{[4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-oxoethoxy]benzylidene}androst-5-en-17-one (10) emerged as the most potent compound of the series with GI50 values of 3.94, 2.61, 6.90 and 1.79 μM against CCRF-CEM, K-562, RPMI-8226 and SR leukemia cell lines, respectively.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new series of 16E-arylidene androstene amides has been synthesized. ► The compounds have been evaluated for cytotoxic activity. ► The new derivatives exhibited significant antileukemic activity.