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Promising Targets in Anti-cancer Drug Development: Recent Updates
Bhupinder Kumar1, Sandeep Singh2, Ira Skvortsova3
1Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab. India.
Abstract:
Cancer is a multifactorial disease and its genesis and progression are extremely complex. The biggest problem in the anticancer drug development is acquiring of multidrug resistance and relapse. Classical chemotherapeutics directly target the DNA of the cell, while the contemporary anticancer drugs involve molecular-targeted therapy such as targeting the proteins possessing abnormal expression inside the cancer cells. Conventional strategies for the complete eradication of the cancer cells proved ineffective. Targeted chemotherapy was successful in certain malignancies however, the effectiveness has often been limited by drug resistance and side effects on normal tissues and cells. Since last few years, many promising drug targets have been identified for the effective treatment of cancer. The current review article describes some of these promising anticancer targets that include kinases, tubulin, cancer stem cells, monoclonal antibodies and vascular targeting agents. In addition, promising drug candidates under various phases of clinical trials are also described. Multi-acting drugs that simultaneously target different cancer cell signaling pathways may facilitate the process of effective anti-cancer drug development.
Insights
Developing new anticancer drugs faces challenges like multidrug resistance. This review highlights promising molecular targets and drug candidates to overcome these hurdles in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer treatment faces significant hurdles including multidrug resistance and relapse.
- Conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies have limitations due to resistance and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising novel anticancer drug targets.
- To discuss emerging drug candidates in clinical trials for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in anticancer drug development.
- Identification and description of key molecular targets and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified promising targets include kinases, tubulin, cancer stem cells, monoclonal antibodies, and vascular targeting agents.
- Several drug candidates targeting these pathways are in various clinical trial phases.
Conclusions:
- Novel molecular targets and multi-acting drugs offer potential for more effective cancer treatment.
- Targeting multiple cancer signaling pathways simultaneously may improve therapeutic outcomes and overcome resistance.