Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel N-substituted benzamides as anti-migration agents for treatment of osteosarcoma

A novel series of novel N-substituted (indole or indazole) benzamides were synthesized, and their anti-tumor properties were evaluated. The majority of tested compounds possessed moderate cytotoxicity, but inspiringly, we verified that active compound 5d presents an astonishing advantage by inhibiting the adhesion, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma (OS) cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we confirmed 5d inhibited the migration ability of OS cells via the expression of genes related to adhesion, migration, and invasion. This effects of 5d suggest that it can be used as a potential chemotherapeutic drug to some aggressive and/or metastatic cancers, as well as in combination with other clinical anti-cancer drugs. In turn, this could enhance the therapeutic effect or reduce the risk of cell migration.