Novel oxa-spermine homologues: synthesis and cytotoxic properties Original Research Article

New oxa-spermine homologues 5–9 were synthesised and their anticancer properties were evaluated against a broad spectrum of cancer cells. All compounds, except 9 showed average GI50 values in the range of 1.89–7.56 μM. SAR studies showed that the cytotoxic activity of these novel oxa-spermines depended on the length of the alkyl chain, the position of the oxa-amino functionality and also, on the type of sulphonamido group in the molecule. Although the mechanism of action of these compound remains to be elucidated, it would appear that direct drug–DNA interactions are not involved in the mode of action of these drugs.