A method for the simultaneous measurement of the new anthracycline derivative 4'-deoxydoxorubicin and its metabolites by reversed phase liquid chromatography.

The anthracycline analog 4'-deoxydoxorubicin (4'-deoxyDX) is a clinically promising antineoplastic agent due to its high potency, broad spectrum of activity, and decreased cardiotoxicity relative to DX. To assess its physicochemical properties and disposition kinetics, we have developed a rapid, sensitive, and precise HPLC assay for the simultaneous analysis of 4'-deoxyDX and its potential metabolites in biological samples. The assay has a detection limit of 5 ng/ml with an average recovery of 95 +/- 5%. Precision of the assay is less than 7%. Using this assay we have measured the concentrations of 4'-deoxyDX in patient plasma and urine after an intravenous injection of 4'-deoxyDX. A major metabolite, which co-eluted chromatographically with 4'-deoxydoxorubicinol, was observed in both plasma and urine.