(2-Phenyl-[1,3,2]dithiarsolan-4-yl)-methanol derivatives show in vitro antileukemic activity

The antileukemic activity of a series of (2-Phenyl-[1,3,2]dithiarsolan-4-yl)-methanol derivatives was tested on K562 and U937 human leukemia cell lines. Their systemic toxicity was estimated by the corresponding LD50 on mice. The cytotoxic activity of each derivative was significantly better than that of arsenic trioxide and the therapeutic index (T.I. = LD50/IC50) was improved. No correlation between log P and the activity or the toxicity was found.