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An overview of microtubule targeting agents for cancer therapy

Bensu Karahalil1, Sevgi Yardım-Akaydin2, Sultan Nacak Baytas3

  • 1Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.

Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|June 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies, like microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), offer greater effectiveness and fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Research is ongoing for new-generation MTAs to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chemotherapy resistance and toxicity necessitate novel cancer treatment strategies.
  • Targeted therapies offer a promising alternative by focusing on specific molecular targets crucial for cancer progression.
  • Microtubules are a key target for novel anticancer drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) in cancer therapy.
  • To discuss the synthesis, mechanisms, and toxicities of MTAs.
  • To highlight the benefits, therapeutic approaches, and challenges associated with MTAs.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on MTAs.
  • Analysis of data on synthetic and natural MTAs' efficacy and safety profiles.
  • Evaluation of emerging next-generation MTAs.

Main Results:

  • MTAs demonstrate superior antitumor activity compared to traditional chemotherapies.
  • MTAs exhibit a reduced risk of adverse effects, including neurotoxicity and hematotoxicity.
  • Several novel MTAs are under clinical evaluation, showing potential for improved cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • MTAs represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
  • Further research into MTAs promises enhanced therapeutic benefits with lower toxicity.
  • Ongoing development of new-generation MTAs holds potential for overcoming current treatment limitations.
Keywords:
MDAMSAMTAchemotherapymicrotubule destabilising agentsmicrotubule stabilising agents

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