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Chemical intervention strategies targeting MYC for cancer therapy

Dan Wu1, Yuxuan Zhu2, Mengjie Ye1

  • 1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.

Drug Discovery Today
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

MYC is a key cancer-driving transcription factor, but difficult to target. This review explores MYC

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The MYC oncoprotein is frequently overexpressed in various cancers.
  • MYC plays a critical role in tumor initiation, maintenance, and progression.
  • MYC lacks enzymatic activity and small molecule-binding sites, presenting a significant therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological functions and regulatory networks of MYC.
  • To discuss potential chemical strategies for MYC inhibition.
  • To summarize existing therapeutic molecules targeting MYC for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MYC's biological roles.
  • Analysis of chemical intervention strategies against MYC.
  • Compilation of reported MYC-targeting therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • MYC's multifaceted roles in cancer development are detailed.
  • Various approaches for chemical inhibition of MYC are explored.
  • A summary of current and potential MYC-targeting drugs is presented.

Conclusions:

  • MYC remains a challenging but crucial target for cancer therapy.
  • Understanding MYC's biology and regulatory networks is key to developing effective drugs.
  • This review provides insights for future development of MYC-targeted cancer treatments.
Keywords:
MYCcancer therapyproteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs)small molecule inhibitortranscription factorundruggable targets

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