Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-substituted benzo[c]phenanthrolines and benzo[c]phenanthrolinones as antiproliferative agents.

Benzo[c]phenanthrolines and benzo[c]phenanthrolinones substituted by dialkylaminoalkyl side chains at position N5 and C6, respectively, were synthesised and their biological activity evaluated. They displayed interessant cytotoxicity associated with some DNA interactions. However, the low topoisomerase 1 affinity suggests that other cellular targets are responsible for the antiproliferative activity.