The synthesis of GdB-texaphyrins as novel multipurpose cancer drugs
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Date
2009-06
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Texaphyrins are a synthetic class of porphyrin analogues that contain a metal atom complexed at their centers. This class of compounds selectively accumulates in cancer cells, thus creating a promising opportunity for medicinal chemists to synthesize novel anti-cancer agents. Texaphyrins may become especially valuable as anti-cancer agents by synthetically including atoms such as gadolinium and boron into their structures. The presence of either of these elements allows the compounds to be used in Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT), a non-invasive experimental treatment procedure for cancer.
While texaphyrins are promising novel agents for use in oncology, better synthetic methods for developing and optimizing these compounds are still needed. The purpose of this study is to find effective synthetic methods for the development of a texaphyrin that could be used in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Two such gadolinium- and boron-containing texaphyrins (GdB-texaphyrins) have already been successfully synthesized in our laboratories and are currently undergoing pre-clinical trials. This project has accomplished the synthesis of the direct pre-cursor to a specific GdB-texaphyrin (pictured on this page), and the compound’s complete synthesis will continue to be pursued in our laboratories. This study has therefore provided valuable data about the pursued synthetic pathway to help researchers continue to advance the synthesis of this novel class of anti-cancer agents.
Description
3rd Place, Category of "Health Sciences- Laboratory/Cellular," Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, May 2009
Summer Research Fellowship, College of Pharmacy, Summer 2007
Undergraduate Research Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Fall 2006-Spring 2007
Summer Research Fellowship, College of Pharmacy, Summer 2007
Undergraduate Research Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Fall 2006-Spring 2007
Keywords
texaphyrin, carborane, neutron capture therapy, synthesis