NEW COMPOUNDS FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

摘要

Compounds of formula (IA) where R is hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxymethyl, and R and R are hydrogen, alkyl or an electron withdrawing group; at least one of R and R being an electron withdrawing group which is cyanomethyl or cyanoethyl; are useful in the treatment of cancers, particularly cis-platin resistant ovarian cancer. The new compounds are obtainable by reacting formaldehyde with an intermediate of formula (II) wherein R and R are hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxymethyl, but not both hydroxymethyl.