Pharmaceutical Applications
2-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-8,8-diethyl-2-aza-8-germaspiro[4,5]decane (spirogermanium) was the first
organogermanium compound tested as an anticancer agent on a wide variety of human cancer cell lines, such
as ovarian, cervix, breast, renal cell cancers and others. Preclinical toxicological evaluation in white mice
confirmed the lack of bone marrow toxicity.
Spirogermanium entered clinical trials and showed good drug tolerance in phase I clinical trials. Phase II
clinical trials revealed consistent neurotoxicity as well as pulmonary toxicities and only moderate activity
against ovarian cancer. The mode of action involved is believed to be based on the inhibition of protein
synthesis and a secondary suppression of RNA and DNA synthesis.
