Total synthesis of a library of designed hybrids of the microtubule-stabilising anticancer agents taxol, discodermolide and dictyostatin

A hybrid library of the marine natural products dictyostatin and discodermolide, incorporating the taxol or taxotere side chains, were synthesised; preliminary biological evaluation in the PANC-1 cancer cell line revealed significant antiproliferative activity, demonstrating that a macrolide scaffold is an effective surrogate for the baccatin core of taxol.