In vitro analysis of dipeptidyl nitrile derivatives using hormone-independent prostate (DU 145, PC3) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), breast and prostate cancers have a higher incidence in the female and male population, respectively. Even though there are several chemotherapies in use, these types of neoplasms have a high number of deaths, and it is necessary to study new bioactive substances. The present work aims to identify and analyze derivatives of dipeptidyl nitrile that act as cysteine protease inhibitors, which are involved in tumor processes such as progression and metastasis. Cytotoxicity tests using the MTT colorimetric method were performed on 41 chemicals synthesized by the NEQUIMED group. Four compounds had cytotoxic effects in three cancerous strains of prostate and breast below the 100 μM threshold, with the determination of IC50 and selectivity indexes. Moreover, cell death was studied for the best compound and will be presented.