ABSTRACT
The maytansinoids represent a family of antitumor agents of extraordinary potency. Following the discovery of the parent compound, maytansine, in 1972,1 the chemistry and biology of the maytansinoids were the subjects of intense studies in the 1970s and early 1980s, culminating in clinical trials of maytansine against a variety of human cancers. After the disappointing outcome and eventual termination of the phase II clinical trials, interest in these compounds subsided considerably. The last decade has brought a certain resurgence of interest in the maytansinoids, which were shown to have considerable potential as “warheads” in immunoconjugates with tumor-speciœc antibodiesan application that is currently under intense investigation. Other studies are addressing the biosynthesis of the maytansinoids, its genetic control, and the role of plants versus microorganisms in their formation.
