Universitá Degli Studi Di Padova

Modesto Carli

Teresa Pecere

Giuseppe Zagotto

Giorgio Palu

Giorgio Palu&prime;

Giorgio Palu'

The invention relates to aloe-emodin (AE) derivatives and their use as anticancer drugs. Saids derivatives show a specific cytotoxicity to tumour cells, also of neuroectodermal origin, to which they may in particular act as aloe-emodin prodrugs. Said pharamcological profile makes them particularly suitable for use in the treatment of neoplasias. Thereofore, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compound may be usefully used in the treatment of neoplasias. It has surprisingly been found that aloe-emodin derivatives in position 3' (bearing either a positive or negaive charge) exhibit improved sollubility properties and, at the same time, in vitro show cytotoxicity to tumour cells, also of neuroectodermal origin.

Aloe-emodin derivatives and their use in the treatment of neoplasias

The invention relates to the use of anti-cancer drug of a natural compound of vegetal origin, known as aloe-emodin (AE). Indeed, said compound has proved to have a specific biological activity of inhibition on the growth of neuroectodermal tumors, without evident toxic effects. The compound, according to the present invention, has also proved to be cell-specific and it does not show any inhibition on the growth of other cell types such as, for instance, fibroblasts. This pharmacological profile, i.e., tumor-targeting and absence of toxicity, makes said compound particularly advantageous in the treatment of neuroectodermal tumors. Pharmaceutical compositions containing said pharmacological agent can therefore be usefully used in the treatment of the foresaid pathologies.

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Padova, Italy

Modesto Carli