Harnessing Purines: Anticancer Activity and Target-Specific Approaches

In the discovery of anticancer drugs, Purine analogues demonstrated crucial attention due to their structural similarity to natural purines, which are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. Cytotoxic effects are exerted by these compounds by interfering with nucleic acid metabolism, enzymatic activity and signal transduction, which is necessary for cancer cell proliferation.

This study was carried out to investigate the potential anticancer effects of purine-based hybrid compounds by evaluating their impact on cell cycle regulation, proinflammatory cytokine inhibition, and induction of apoptotic gene expression in cancer cells. The studies involve peerreviewed articles on purine analogues used in cancer therapy, which focus on molecular targets, preclinical or clinical efficacy data and structure-activity relationships (SAR).

Classic purine analogues such as 6-mercaptopurine, thioguanine, and cladribine have proven effective against hematologic cancers. Recent innovations have broadened their use to solid tumours by targeting kinases (e.g., CDKs, PI3K), epigenetic regulators (e.g., DNMTs), and immune checkpoints. Improved molecular modelling and SAR studies have enhanced drug specificity and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, combining purine analogues with other chemotherapeutics or targeted agents has shown synergistic effects and potential for overcoming resistance.

The current outlook of the purine-based anticancer agents is aimed at this review by concentrating on their mechanisms of action, the development of target-specific strategies and therapeutic targets for the enhancement of anticancer efficacy and decreasing target toxicity.

For the anti-cancer drugs, Purine-based compounds remain a versatile and evolving class. Their targeted design offers promising avenues for personalized cancer therapy, warranting further clinical exploration.