Targeted regulated cell death with small molecule compounds in colorectal cancer: Current perspectives of targeted...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to its high malignancy and poor prognosis.
• Current targeted therapies for CRC remain insufficient, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
• Regulated cell death (RCD) mechanisms are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer progression and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of small-molecule compounds targeting various RCD pathways in CRC therapy.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which these compounds exert anti-cancer effects.
• To explore emerging RCD modalities like cuproptosis and disulfidptosis for CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on small-molecule compounds and RCD in CRC.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying different RCD types (apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, immunogenic cell death).
• Discussion of potential applications of novel RCD types (cuproptosis, disulfidptosis) in CRC.

Main Results:

• Small-molecule compounds targeting RCD pathways offer a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.
• Specific RCD mechanisms, including apoptosis and ferroptosis, are key targets for CRC intervention.
• Emerging RCD pathways present new avenues for CRC drug development.

Conclusions:

• Small-molecule compounds targeting RCD pathways represent a viable strategy for advancing CRC targeted therapy.
• Understanding RCD mechanisms is crucial for identifying effective therapeutic targets and candidate compounds for CRC.
• Further research into novel RCDs like cuproptosis and disulfidptosis may yield future CRC treatments.