This invention relates to vitamin-mitomycin conjugates, to a method of
using the conjugates to selectively eliminate a population of pathogenic
cells in a host animal harboring the pathogenic cells, and to a method of
preparation of the conjugates. The conjugate is of the general formula
B-L-X
wherein the group B is a vitamin, or an analog or a derivative thereof,
that binds to a surface accessible vitamin receptor that is uniquely
expressed, overexpressed, or preferentially expressed by a population of
pathogenic cells, wherein the group L comprises a cleavable linker, and
wherein the group X comprises a mitomycin compound, or an analog or a
derivative thereof. An additional therapeutic agent, such as a
chemotherapeutic agent, can be administered in combination with the
conjugate.
