In vivo antitumor activity of tetrahydrobenz(a)anthraquinone derivatives

Female rats bearing DMBA induced mammary carcinomas were treated with a new anthraquinone derivative related to mitoxantrone. The drug was administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily for 10 days. Tumor regression was noted in 78% of the animals with growth rate reduced from +74.91% to -12.60%. The results demonstrate that replacement of a polar hydroxy group of mitoxantrone with a nonpolar hydrocarbon moiety does not impair its antitumor activity and in fact may influence its availability to endocrine systems.