Anti-tumor activity, in vitro and in vivo, of some triphenylphosphinegold(I) thionucleobases

Abstract

The [Ph3PAu(6-MP)] complex, where 6-MPH is 6-mercaptopurine, is active against the cisplatin-resistant cell line, mouse leukaemia L1210/DDP, as is the precursor compound [Ph3PAuCl], suggesting that the thiolate is not critical for activity. Against the human cell lines, FaDu (squamous cell carcinoma) and SKOV-3 (ovarian carcinoma), both [Ph3PAu(6-MP)] and [Ph3PAu(6-TG)], where 6-TGH is 6-thioguanine, were active. [Ph3PAu(6-MP)] was active against a murine PC6 plasmacytoma, but not as active as cisplatin.