Targeting autophagy in urological system cancers: From underlying mechanisms to therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Urology

Background:

• Urological cancers are a major global health concern, with limited treatment options for advanced stages.
• Current therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have significant side effects and varying efficacy.
• Autophagy, a cellular self-degradation process, is increasingly recognized for its complex involvement in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual mechanisms of autophagy in urological system cancers.
• To summarize current clinical drugs targeting autophagy for improved treatment outcomes.
• To provide an overview of novel small molecule compounds and drug combinations for autophagy modulation in urological cancers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on autophagy in urological cancers.
• Analysis of current clinical drugs targeting autophagy.
• Overview of preclinical research on novel small molecule compounds.
• Systematic summary and discussion of drug combinations involving autophagy modulation.

Main Results:

• Autophagy exhibits complex, context-dependent roles in urological cancers.
• Existing clinical drugs targeting autophagy show promise for enhancing treatment efficacy.
• Novel small molecule compounds and combination therapies targeting autophagy are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Autophagy modulation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for urological cancers.
• Further research into autophagy-related drug candidates and combinations is warranted.
• This review provides insights for developing more effective autophagy-targeting therapies for urological malignancies.