Experimental pharmacokinetics of RSU-1069 and its analogues: high tumor/plasma ratios.

The mixed-function radiosensitizer RSU-1069 and its analogues possess both alkylating and electron-affinic properties, and have been shown to be more efficient radiosensitizers than misonidazole both in vivo and in vitro. The pharmacokinetics following intraperitoneal injection of three members of this series, RSU-1069, RSU-1164, and RSU-1172 have been studied in C57BL mice bearing B16 melanoma. Peak tumor levels of each compound, and tumor/plasma ratios (T/P) were found to be high: T/P RSU-1069 = 3.8, RSU-1164 = 3.7; RSU-1172 = 4.0. In contrast, other normal tissues including brain showed tissue/plasma ratios close to 1. The mechanisms responsible for differential tumor uptake are unknown, but may depend on the basicity of the compounds, leading to preferential uptake in areas of low pH, or alternatively they may be associated with the alkylating function. This group of compounds appear to demonstrate highly favorable tissue distributions.