Autophagy inhibitors for cancer therapy: Small molecules and nanomedicines

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Autophagy is a fundamental cellular process for degrading and recycling cytoplasmic components, crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis.
• The role of autophagy in disease, particularly cancer, is complex, with cytoprotective autophagy often promoting tumor growth and progression.
• Autophagy inhibitors like chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) show promise in cancer treatment and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review small-molecule compounds and nanomaterials that inhibit autophagic flux.
• To describe the mechanisms by which these agents affect autophagy.
• To discuss nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for autophagy inhibitors and their clinical applications and future perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of small-molecule compounds and nanomaterials with autophagy-inhibitory effects.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying autophagy inhibition by various agents.
• Examination of nanocarrier systems for delivering autophagy inhibitors.
• Review of current clinical progress and future outlook for autophagy inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• Small molecules (e.g., CQ, HCQ) and various nanomaterials can inhibit autophagic flux.
• Nanomaterials can act as direct inhibitors or as effective carriers for autophagy inhibitors.
• Nanocarrier-based delivery systems offer advantages for enhancing the efficacy and targeting of autophagy inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• Autophagy inhibition is a viable strategy for cancer treatment and overcoming drug resistance.
• Nanotechnology offers novel approaches for developing and delivering autophagy inhibitors.
• Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully realize the therapeutic potential of autophagy inhibitors.