Brostallicin is a synthetic, alpha-bromoacrylic, second-generation minor groove binder (MGB), related to distamycin A, with potential antineoplastic activity. Brostallicin binds to DNA minor groove DNA, after having formed a highly reactive glutathione (GSH)-brostallicin complex in the presence of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), which is overexpressed in cancer cells; DNA replication and cell division are inhibited, resulting in tumor cell death. Compared to typical MGBs, this agent appears to bind covalently to DNA in a different manner and its activity does not depend on a functional DNA mismatch repair (MMR) mechanism. Accordingly, brostallicin may be effective against MMR-defective tumors that are refractory to various anticancer agents.
Aroplatin is a synthetic liposomal formulation of bis-neodecanoate diaminocyclohexane platinum (NDDP), a third-generation platinum complex analogue of cisplatin, with potential antineoplastic activity. After displacement of the 2 long-chain aliphatic leaving groups (neodecanoic acid), platinum diaminocyclohexane (DACH) complexes become highly reactive and alkylate macromolecules, forming both inter- and intra-strand DNA crosslinks and inhibiting DNA synthesis, which results in tumor cell cytotoxicity. Because DNA mismatch-repair (MMR) complexes do not recognize DACH–platinum adducts, DNA repair mechanisms are inhibited, overcoming limitations observed with other platinum-based agents. In addition, the liposomal encapsulation improves the bioavailability of NDDP and reduces its toxicity profile.