Heterocyclic Scaffolds: Centrality in Anticancer Drug Development

Posted by : Unknown Tuesday 17 March 2015

Cancer has been cursed for human beings for a long time. Millions of people lost their lives due to cancer. Despite of the several anticancer drugs available, cancer cannot be cured; especially at late stages without exhibiting any side effects. Heterocyclic compounds have exhibited exciting medicinal applications including anticancer. Some market selling heterocyclic anticancer drugs include 5-flourouracil, methortrexate, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, etc. Besides, some natural products including vinblastine and vincristine having basic frame work of heterocyclic moeities are used as anticancer drugs. Overall, heterocyclic moeities have always been core parts in the expansion of anticancer drugs.

This article describes the importance of heterocyclic nucleus in the development of anticancer drugs. Besides, the attempts have been made to discuss both naturally occurring and synthetic heterocyclic compounds as anticancer agents. In addition, some market selling anticancer heterocyclic compounds have been highlighted. Moreover, the attempts have been made to discuss mechanism of action and recent advances in heterocyclic compounds as anticancer agents. The current challenges and future perspectives of heterocyclic compounds have been discussed. Finally, the suggestions for synthesizing effective, selective, fast and human friendly anticancer agents are discussed in different sections at appropriate places.

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