Synthesis, structure and antitumor activity of new benz[d,e]isoquinoline-1,3-diones

New benz[d,e]isoquinoline-1,3-diones related to mitonafide (CAS 54824-17-8) and amonafide (CAS 69408-81-7) with double substitution on the chromophore and branched side chains have been synthesized and their biological activity determined. Molecular modeling studies of 3a based on X-ray crystallographic data of mitonafide have shown that the aromatic system intercalates between GC steps of DNA. The in vitro cytotoxic test data using CX-1 and LX-1 cells showed higher cytotoxic activities in disubstituted derivatives compared to both lead compounds. Some of the compounds have been selected for in vivo test using L1210 tumor cells and CX-1 cells. Two of them (3b and 3j) have shown promising activity as good candidates for clinical development.