[Rational approaches to selective synthesis of antimetastatic agents]

Some 3,3-dimethyltriazenes were shown to be capable of selective antimetastatic activity, i. e. preventing metastatic spreading of experimental tumors without affecting primary tumor or apparent metastases. The mechanism of antimetastatic effect of 3,3-dimethyltriazenes is discussed. The drugs represent a new promising pharmacological class of agents used for postsurgical adjuvant treatment of cancer. The effect of diazo derivatives produced in the course of disintegration of aromatic and heterocyclic 3,3-dimethyltriazenes on the in vitro activity of Ca-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum should be evaluated as a test-system for selecting new antimetastatic agents with cryptodiazonic properties.