Synthesis and growth inhibition activity of fluorinated derivatives of tamoxifen.

The design and synthesis of 11 fluorinated derivatives of tamoxifen are described. Growth inhibition values (GI50) on human HT-29, M21, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells are also reported. In general, the GI50 values are similar or slightly higher than tamoxifen with the most active compound on MCF7 cell line having a GI50=3.6μM. Surprisingly, as opposed to tamoxifen, both geometrical isomers behave similarly. We hypothesize that this behavior is due to in vitro isomerization of the compounds.