Novel targeted platinum compounds using albumin as a tumor-selective drug carrier

Therapy with platinum compounds is limited by strong side effects, resistance development and insufficient tumor accumulation. Aim of this project in cooperation with Christian Kowol (Group of Prof. Bernhard K. Keppler, University of Vienna) is to enhance tumor-targeting of platinum drugs via binding of an albumin-affine ligand (maleimide). To this end, the first maleimide-containing platinum (IV) drugs have been synthesized, which after reduction release free (unmodified) oxaliplatin. First results indicate that the rapid albumin binding of the new compounds results in enhanced tumor accumulation and increased anticancer activity.