Phorboxazole derivatives for treating cancer

This invention relates to the use of synthetic phorboxaxole A in the treatment of cancer and to novel phorboxazole A derivatives that are useful as anti-cancer agents. In particular, the invention includes novel dehydrobromo and mixed methyl ketal derivatives having potent cytostatic and apoptotic effects against cancer cells, including human leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer and brain cancer cells. Novel phorboxazole derivative compounds of the invention inhibit migration of cancer cells through extracellular matrix, an activity required for tumor metastisis. In addition, the invention relates to methods of using synthetic phorboxaxole A and novel phorboxazole A derivatives of the present invention as therapeutic agents. Synthetic Phorboxazole A and derivatives thereof for the treatment of cancer, including inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of metastises.