Various 14-Nitro, 14-amino, and 14-substituted amino camptothecin derivatives are useful in the treatment of cancer and other hyperproliferative diseases. Various 14-nitro camptothecin derivatives are conveniently prepared by reacting a camptothecin derivative with fuming nitric acid, optionally employing acetic anhydride as a solvent.
Budnik,A.G. et al., Journal of Organic Chemistry USSR (English Translation), 1974, vol. 10, p. 343 - 348