Sch-66336 (Sarasar®) and other benzocycloheptapyridyl farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors:: Discovery, biology and clinical observations

Farnesyl Protein Transferase as a target for therapeutic intervention is currently under investigation in human clinical trials. Sch-66336 (sarasar(R)), a benzocycloheptapyridyl Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor (FTI), has been found to be effective in cellular proliferation assays and in in vivo oncology models both as a single agent and in combination with other anti-cancer agents. Clinically, early evidence is being generated that suggests efficacy in humans, particularly in patients with leukemia. Herein, we review the biology of FPT, the discovery of Sch-66336 and other benzocycloheptapyridyl FTIs, and the clinical evaluation of Sch-66336 for the treatment of leukemia and solid tumors.