Alky-lysophospholipids (ALP) are synthetic analogues of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC), also called lysolecithins.

They were synthesized by replacing the acyl-group within the LPC with an alkyl-group.

They are in contrast to LPC metabolically very stable.,

They have anti-neoplastic (“anti-cancer”) effects. and they are immune modulators.

Their anti-tumor efficiency is due to influence on signal pathways of the cell, causing apoptosis

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that may occur in multicellular organisms. Biochemical events lead to characteristic cell changes and death. These changes include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and chromosomal DNA fragmentation...

.

It his highly selective, sparing healthy cells.

Several like Edelfosine

Edelfosine

Edelfosine is a synthetic alkyl-lisophospholipid . It has antineoplastic effects....

, Miltefosine

Miltefosine

Miltefosine is a phospholipid drug.Originally developed as an antineoplastic , it is finding use as an antiprotozoal drug...

 and Perifosine

Perifosine

Perifosine is a drug candidate being developed for a variety of cancer indications.It is an alkylphospholipid Perifosine is structurally related to miltefosine...

are under research and development as drugs against cancer and other diseases.