Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of di- and triorganotin derivatives of polyoxa- and biologically relevant carboxylic acids.

An overview of the development of anti-tumor organotin derivatives, sometimes as active in vitro as doxorubicin, is presented and discussed. Solubility in water is an important issue, dominating the in vivo testing of compounds with promising in vitro properties. Several water-soluble organotin compounds gave the best in vitro activities. Novel, useful organotin anti-tumor compounds should be designed toward improved water solubility.