| abstract |
Disclosed are processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I): H2N-(CH2)n-A-(CH2)m-NH2, or (II): H2N-(CH2)n-NH-C(=NR<1>)-NH-(CH2)m-NH2, wherein n and m are each independently an integer from 2 to 8; A is selected from the group consisting of -NR<1>-, -NR<1>-(CH2)r-NR<1>- and -NR<1>-(CH2)r-NR<1>-(CH2)z-NR<1>-, wherein r and z are an integer ranging from 2 to 8; and R<1> is hydrogen or a protecting group having a carbonyl group. Also disclosed are compounds of formula (II), pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and uses of the compounds for treating cancers susceptible to treatment with spermine, spermidine or other polyamines. |