Recent progress in topoisomerase inhibitors as anticancer agents: Research and design strategies for Topo I and II

Guanghuan Shen1, Shihao Li2, Yu Zhu2

  • 1Postdoctoral Programme of Meteria Medica Institute of Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, PR China.

Bioorganic Chemistry
|October 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Innovative cancer therapies require new topoisomerase (Topo) inhibitors. This review details recent advances in Topo I and II inhibitors, focusing on catalytic and multitarget agents to overcome resistance and toxicity issues in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Topoisomerases (Topo) are vital enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, and repair.
  • Topo I and II are essential for tumor cell proliferation and genomic stability.
  • Current Topo inhibitors face challenges like drug resistance and toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review structural and optimization advances in Topo I and II inhibitors over the last five years.
  • To focus on catalytic inhibitors and multitarget agents for improved cancer therapy.
  • To offer new perspectives for developing safer, more effective small-molecule Topo inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and analysis of recent literature (past five years).
  • Focus on structural modifications and optimization strategies.
  • Analysis of catalytic and multitargeting approaches for Topo inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key structural advancements in Topo I and II inhibitors.
  • Evaluation of progress in developing catalytic and multitargeting agents.
  • Analysis of strategies to mitigate drug resistance and toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in developing novel Topo inhibitors.
  • Catalytic and multitargeting agents show promise for enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity.
  • Further research into small-molecule Topo inhibitors is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.

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