Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Fluorinated Quinoline Derivatives in 2D and 3D Models of Triple-Negative Breast

Anubha Yadav1, Sachin Saini2, Mamta Singh1

  • 1Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303, India.

ACS Omega
|September 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Novel fluorinated quinoline compounds show potent anticancer activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. These compounds effectively reduced tumor cell growth and spheroid volume without harming normal breast cells, offering new therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Oncology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and high resistance.
  • Developing novel therapeutics for TNBC remains a critical unmet need.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize novel fluorinated quinoline analogues.
  • To evaluate their anticancer properties against breast cancer cell lines and spheroids.
  • To identify key structural features for anticancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of fluorinated quinoline analogues.
  • In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity against TNBC and normal breast cells.
  • Assessment of clonogenic capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction.
  • 3D spheroid culture models to evaluate efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Compounds 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6f exhibited potent activity against TNBC cells (IC50: 2.5-5 μM) with no toxicity to normal cells.
  • Hydrolyzed analogues (7a-f) lacked activity, highlighting the importance of the ester and fluorine groups.
  • Active compounds reduced clonogenic capacity, induced ROS, and significantly decreased 3D spheroid volume in TNBC models.
  • Compounds 6b and 6f were particularly effective against MDA-MB-468 and 4T1 TNBC cell lines.

Conclusions:

  • Fluorinated quinoline analogues demonstrate significant potential as anticancer agents for TNBC.
  • The ester group and fluorine substitution are crucial for the observed anticancer effects.
  • These findings pave the way for developing new TNBC therapeutics.

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