Antineoplastic indole-containing compounds with potential VEGFR inhibitory properties

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with advanced stages often proving resistant to current treatments.
• Overexpression of tyrosine kinases, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), drives cancer proliferation and angiogenesis.
• Targeted therapies offer advantages over traditional treatments by minimizing side effects and improving efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent (2012-2023) indole-containing compounds with potential anti-cancer and VEGFR inhibitory properties.
• To highlight promising drug candidates, natural products, and synthesized compounds targeting VEGFR.
• To explore functionalized and spirocyclic indole analogs for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications from 2012 to 2023.
• Identification and summarization of studies reporting indole analogs with anti-neoplastic activity.
• Focus on compounds demonstrating inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR).

Main Results:

• Several indole analogs exhibit significant anti-cancer potential.
• Compounds targeting VEGFR have shown promise in preclinical studies.
• Functionalized indoles, heterocycle conjugates, and spiroindoles are key areas of investigation.

Conclusions:

• Indole derivatives represent a promising class of compounds for developing targeted anti-cancer therapeutics.
• Inhibition of VEGFR by indole analogs is a viable strategy for combating angiogenesis-dependent cancers.
• Continued research into novel indole structures may yield effective treatments for advanced cancers.