Sixteen cationic prodrugs of the antitumor alkylphospholipid (APL) erufosine were rationally synthesized to provide original gene delivery reagents with improved cytotoxicity profile. The DNA complexation properties of these cationic lipids were determined and associated transfection rates were measured. Furthermore, the self-assembly properties of the pro-erufosine compounds were investigated and
those of the parent antitumor lipids. ResultsThe APL prodrugs display antitumor activity which is similar to that of the parent alkylphospholipids but without associated hemolytic toxicity. ConclusionThe pro-APL compounds may be considered as intravenously injectable derivatives of APLs. They could thus address one of the major issues met in cancer therapies involving antitumor lipids and restricting