Selenopheno[2,3-f]coumarins: novel scaffolds with antimetastatic activity against melanoma and breast cancer

Abstract

The general aim of the current research is to find novel non-toxic small molecules with antimetastatic activity. Herein we present a series of novel selenopheno[2,3-f]coumarins with low cytotoxicity profiles against cancer cells with different natures (carcinomas, sarcomas, melanomas, neuroblastomas, and hepatomas). Based on their structure–activity relationships (SARs), few compounds selectively induce MMP inhibition and suppress angiogenesis in vivo up to 57% (10 μM). Certain derivatives are excellent agents for in vivo prevention of melanoma and breast cancer metastasis: up to 97% with no visual side effects. The present study provides scientific evidence that a selenophenocoumarin scaffold is a promising competitor for the development of drug candidates with metastasis-suppressing properties.