Canfosfamide

S-transferase P1-1 (GST P1-1) is an enzyme overexpressed in many human cancer cells. High levels of GST P1-1 are associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to certain chemotherapeutics. The activation of canfosfamide occurs when GST P1-1 splits canfosfamide into two active fragments: a glutathione analog fragment and an active cytotoxic fragment. The cytotoxic fragment reacts with important cell components, including RNA, DNA and proteins, leading to cell death. The glutathione analog fragment of canfosfamide may remain bound to GST P1-1, which may limit the ability of GST P1-1 to inactivate other cancer drugs.