Synthesis and Reactivity of 5-Fluorouracil/Cytarabine Mutual Prodrugs

Two mutual prodrugs, in which two different anti-cancer drugs are attached to the same molecule via labile linkages, are synthesized and examined kinetically. One of the mutual prodrugs loses a drug component under physiological conditions within an hour, but the other mutual prodrug (having a longer spacer between the two drugs) is stable to chemical degradation even at higher pH values. Thus, enzymatic hydrolysis alone will release the two anti-cancer drugs. The potential value of anti-cancer mutual prodrugs is discussed.