The synthesis of N-hydroxy-N'-phenyloctanediamide and its inhibitory effect on proliferation of AXC rat prostate cancer cells.

We have developed a practical synthesis of N-hydroxy-N'-phenyloctanediamide from the methyl ester of suberanilic acid. It provides the product in high yield and purity with a simple purification process. We have found that at 10(-5) M it has a dramatic effect on T/5 AXC/SSh rat prostate cancer cells in vitro. It is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and it changes the cell morphology to resemble nonmalignant cells.