Anticancer compounds selective for er-positive cancers

Abstract

Small molecule ERα biomodulators that kill therapy-resistant ERa positive breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer cells are disclosed. In one embodiment, the small molecule biomodulator has increased therapeutic utility because of an increased ability to kill therapy-resistant cancer cells compared to BHPI and other conventional therapies (endocrine therapies, tamoxifen, and fulvestrant/ICI). The small molecule biomodulators not only inhibit proliferation of the cancer cells but kills them, which prevents reactivation of tumors years later. Compounds of the invention, such as ErSO-DFP, are effective for treating ERa positive cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical carcinoma, endometrial cancer, and the like.