Heterocyclic quinones. XVI. Pharmacomodulation in the series of 11H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolinediones: synthesis, cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of 3-substituted 11H-pyrido[3',4':4,5]pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline-1,4-diones

With the aim of obtaining new antitumor drugs more active than previously described 11H-indolo3,2-c]quinoline-1,4-diones and 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-11H-indolo3,2-c]quinoline-1,4-diones, the synthesis and activities of a series of 3-substituted 11H-pyrido3',4':4,5]pyrrolo3,2-c]quinoline-1,4-diones and of 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-11H-pyrido-3',4':4,5]pyrrolo3,2-c] quinoline-1,4-diones were studied. Some quinones were more cytotoxic in vitro towards L1210 leukemia cells but were not active in vivo towards murine P388 leukemia.