| abstract |
This invention discloses 6-methylvitamin D3 analogs, and specifically lα,25- dihydroxy-6-methylvitamin D3, and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits vitamin D receptor binding activity and transcription activity as well as activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent, especially for the treatment or prevention of leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer. This compound also exhibits low in vivo calcemic activity, but because it binds the receptor with the same affinity as the native hormone calcitriol, it may act as an antagonist to inhibit development of hypercalcemia. |