RADIOSENSITIZATION BY COBALT AND FE(III)COMPLEXES

摘要

The present invention relates to radiosensitization and, more particularly, to rendering hypoxic cells more sensitive to being killed by X-rays or other forms of irradiation. In particular, the invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing a radio-sensitizing amount of Co (III) or Fe (III) coordination compound selected from the group consisting of: … …  (1) compounds having the formula:… [CoNnX6-n] (1)… where n has a value of 3 or 4;… N is an uncharged nitrogen donor atom that is contained in a ligand;… X represents an anionic ligand; and… Y represents the charge on the complex; …  (2) compounds having the formula:… (CoA2X<1>D) (2)… where A represents a bidentate or tetradentate negative ligand containing N or O donor atoms:… X<1> and D represent the same or different monodentate ligands; and… Y<1> represents a positive or negative charge on the complex; …  (3) compounds having the formula:… [CoZ3] (3)… where Z represents a chelating mononegative ligand; and …  (4) Compounds of the formula:… [Fe TT<1>]<+> (4)… where T and T<1>, which may be the same or different, represent mono-negative tridentate ligands. … …The invention also includes a method for rendering hypoxic cells more sensitive to irradiation which comprises subjecting the cells to treatment using the Co (III) or Fe (III) coordination compounds defined above.