glufosfamide

Glufosfamide is an investigational cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent designed as a glycosidic conjugate between β-D-glucose and the active alkylating moiety of ifosfamide (isophosphoramide mustard)[1][3]. This glucose-conjugated prodrug leverages the overexpression of glucose transporters in certain cancer cells, such as those found in pancreatic, lung, and brain cancers, to enhance selective uptake into tumor tissue[1][7]. Once inside the cell, glufosfamide acts as an alkylating agent by cross-linking DNA strands and inhibiting DNA synthesis, leading to cell death[3][7]. It has demonstrated modest efficacy in clinical trials for pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. The drug is primarily being developed for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma but has also been investigated for other malignancies including ovarian cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, brain tumors (glioblastoma), and sarcoma[2][4].

Other names

glucophosphamideD-glucose isophosphoramide mustard