A review on steroid dimers: 2011-2019

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Previous reviews on steroid dimers were published in 1997, 2007, and 2012, covering literature up to 2010.
• Significant advancements in steroid dimer research necessitate an updated comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and appraise the literature on steroid dimers published between 2011 and 2019.
• To cover isolation, synthesis, and applications of steroid dimers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search using keywords such as "steroid dimer", "steroidal dimer", "bis-steroid", and "cephalostatins".
• Consultation of multiple scientific databases including Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

Main Results:

• Over 200 new synthetic steroidal dimers, predominantly with a ring A-ring A connection, were reported.
• Only one natural steroid dimer was isolated during this period.
• Potential applications in cancer, tumor treatment, and microbial infections were identified.

Conclusions:

• The period 2011-2019 witnessed substantial progress in synthetic steroid dimer research.
• Steroid dimers show promise for therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases.