Functional-group modifications of dextran for linkage to a diazonium group. A potential vehicle for tumour targeting of antineoplastic triazenes.

Several derivatives of dextran, containing a triazene side-chain, which are analogues of the antitumour agent DTIC (Dacarbazine), were prepared. The extent of triazene incorporation was measured by determination of the nitrogen content, and the presence of triazene groups was corroborated by u.v.- and n.m.r.-spectroscopic measurements. Some dextran-triazenes exhibited cytotoxic activity against M21 tumour cells in vitro.