Nitropyrrole derivatives have been tested as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers in vitro and in vivo. Radiosensitizing potential generally increases with nitropyrrole electron affinity. N-hydroxyethyl substitution decreases toxicity relative to N--CH3, N--CH2 CH3 and N--CH2 CH2 CH3 substitution. The most effective nitropyrrole tested in vivo is N-hydroxyethyl-2-cyano-5-nitropyrrole (NP-1).
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