Synthesis and biological evaluation of new Camptothecin-like compounds as anticancer agents

Herein, we report on the synthesis and evaluation of new pentacyclic quinolone analogues as potential Top I inhibitors as potential lead drug candidates for cancer treatment. Among the developed series of compounds, is the isopropyl quinolone derivative 10e that demonstrated effective anticancer activity across various cancer cell lines, while maintaining a safe profile in normal cells. In silico analysis demonstrated the binding of 10e to the Top I/DNA complex. Furthermore, this compound exhibited partial inhibition of both Top I and Top II enzymes, induced G1 phase arrest, and promoted apoptosis in cancer cells. In conclusion, compound 10e exerted potent cytotoxic activity against several cancer types and could be used as a lead for the development of new cancer modality and which warrant further investigations as a potential anticancer agent.