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Recent advances in development of CDK7 inhibitors and their clinical trials: a narrative review

Lingzhi Zhang1, Shiqin Yang1, Zhe Guan2

  • 1Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzhou Chien-Shiung Institute of Technology, Suzhou, China.

Translational Cancer Research
|October 29, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors show promise for treating various cancers. This review details selective CDK7 inhibitors in clinical trials, highlighting their targets and progress against breast and ovarian cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is crucial for cell cycle regulation and tumor cell proliferation.
  • CDK7 is highly expressed in various cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target.
  • Selective CDK7 inhibitors are under development due to the limitations of earlier pan-CDK inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in selective CDK7 inhibitor development.
  • To summarize the targets, indications, and clinical trial progress of CDK7 inhibitors.
  • To highlight the potential of CDK7 as an anti-tumor target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of online databases (Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov) and electronic databases (PubMed, CDDI).
  • Analysis of recent findings on selective CDK7 inhibitors, focusing on clinical research.
  • Categorization of inhibitors into covalent and non-covalent types.

Main Results:

  • Selective CDK7 inhibitors, both covalent and non-covalent, exhibit improved potency and selectivity over first-generation inhibitors.
  • These inhibitors are being investigated for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
  • Several selective CDK7 inhibitors are in various stages of clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • CDK7 is a promising therapeutic target for multiple cancers, including breast cancer and TNBC.
  • Continued research is essential for developing effective and specific CDK7 inhibitors.
  • Selective CDK7 inhibitors represent a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.
Keywords:
CDK7 inhibitoranti-tumorclinical trialsindicationsprogress

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