Acridine derivatives as chemotherapeutic agents

Curr Med Chem. 2002 Sep;9(18):1655-65. doi: 10.2174/0929867023369277.

Abstract

Acridine derivatives are one of the oldest classes of bioactives, widely used as antibacterial and antiprotozoal agents. Some work in these areas continues, but recent research has focused mainly on their use as anticancer drugs, because of the ability of the acridine chromophore to intercalate DNA and inhibit topoisomerase enzymes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acridines / chemistry*
  • Acridines / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA / drug effects
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intercalating Agents / chemistry*
  • Intercalating Agents / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Acridines
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Intercalating Agents
  • DNA