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Recent Advances in Microtubule Targeting Agents for Cancer Therapy
Henrique C Assunção1,2, Patrícia M A Silva3,4,5, Hassan Bousbaa5
1Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 288, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Researchers are discovering new microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) to overcome cancer resistance and toxicity. This review focuses on advancements since 2020, emphasizing structure-activity relationship studies for more effective anticancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are crucial in cancer therapy by disrupting cell division.
- Existing MTAs face limitations due to cancer resistance and significant toxicity.
- Developing novel MTAs is essential to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discovery of new microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) since 2020.
- To understand recent advancements in MTA development for cancer treatment.
- To identify future directions for novel anticancer drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications and patents since 2020.
- Analysis of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies for new MTAs.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity, selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and resistance evasion.
Main Results:
- Identification of several novel MTA candidates with improved properties.
- Highlighting SAR studies that guide the design of more effective agents.
- Demonstrating progress in overcoming resistance mechanisms and reducing toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Recent discoveries show promise for developing next-generation MTAs.
- SAR studies are critical for designing MTAs with enhanced efficacy and safety.
- Continued research into novel MTAs is vital for advancing cancer therapy.
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