Targeting Colorectal Cancer with Conjugates of a Glucose Transporter Inhibitor and 5-Fluorouracil

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
2021.0

Abstract

Overexpression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) in colorectal cancer cells is associated with 5-fluorouracil (<b>1</b>, 5-FU) resistance and poor clinical outcomes. We designed and synthesized a novel GLUT-targeting drug conjugate, triggered by glutathione in the tumor microenvironment, that releases 5-FU and GLUTs inhibitor (phlorizin (<b>2</b>) and phloretin (<b>3</b>)). Using an orthotopic colorectal cancer mice model, we showed that the conjugate exhibited better antitumor efficacy than 5-FU, with much lower exposure of 5-FU during treatment and without significant side effects. Our study establishes a GLUT-targeting theranostic incorporating a disulfide linker between the targeting module and cytotoxic payload as a potential antitumor therapy.

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