Antiangiogenic Agents: Studies on Fumagillin and Curcumin Analogs

Cancer is a general term used to describe many disease states, each of which are characterized by abnormal cell proliferation. The causes which bring about this abnormal cellular behavior are specific to each type of cancer. The success of tumor-targeted therapy is limited by this diversity. One common denominator for all types of cancer is the requirement of a suitable blood supply. Therefore, tumor vasculature has emerged as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. New blood vessel growth from preexisting vasculature stimulated by biochemical signals is termed angiogenesis. Tumor masses require a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, and a means of efficient waste removal to ensure sustained development. Diffusion from nearby capillaries can supply adequate nutrition for tumors less than 2 mm in size, but for continued growth the tumors must develop their own blood supply. Alteration of the delicate balance of angiogenic stimulating factors and angiogenic inhibitors results in the phenotypic change from quiescence to active endothelial proliferation. To date, this angiogenic switch is not completely understood. The goal of antiangiogenic therapy is to interfere with these mechanisms and prevent tumor cells from developing a viable blood supply. Fumagillin is a naturally occurring antifungal agent. Curcumin is a natural product isolated from the spice turmeric. Both compounds have been shown to have antiangiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo. This paper describes efforts to design and prepare fumagillin and curcumin analogs and evaluate their corresponding antiangiogenic activities.