diaziquone

Diaziquone is a synthetic bifunctional quinone derivative and water-soluble aziridinylbenzoquinone with antineoplastic (anticancer) activity. It acts primarily as an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA during all phases of the cell cycle. This leads to disruption of DNA function, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in tumor cells[1][2][4][5]. The drug is bioactivated by two-electron reduction via quinone reductase DT-diaphorase (DTD), which is overexpressed in many tumors. The resultant hydroquinone form selectively alkylates and cross-links DNA at specific sequences (notably the 5'-GNC–3' sequence), inhibiting replication and inducing apoptosis[2]. Diaziquone can also generate free radicals causing additional DNA strand breaks[5]. Due to its lipophilicity it crosses the blood-brain barrier and has shown activity against primary brain tumors in clinical trials[4][7]. Its main toxicities are hematologic (marrow suppression) and nephrotoxicity at high doses[10].

Other names

aziridinylbenzoquinonediaziquonum2,5-bis(1-aziridinyl)-3,6-bis(carbethoxyamino)-1,4-benzoquinone2,5-diaziridinyl-3,6-bis(carboethoxyamino)-1,4-benzoquinonediethyl 2,5-bis-(1-aziridinyl)-3,6-dioxo-1,4-cyclohexadiene dicarbamate