Recent Progress in the Design of Aryl/Hetaryl Chalcone Derivatives as Improved Anticancer Agents: An Insightful Review Focusing on Structure‐Activity Relationship

Abstract The increasing recurrence of mammalian tumors and the severe side effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic agents have diminished the clinical efficacy of many anticancer treatments. Consequently, there is an ongoing need to develop alternative or synergistic anticancer drugs with reduced side effects. Chalcones, a type of natural flavonoid compound, have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent anticancer properties. Research findings have demonstrated that chalcones can inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation, induce apoptosis, and suppress tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, they have shown potential chemopreventive effects, lowering the risk of cancer development in healthy individuals. The remarkable anticancer properties of chalcones highlight their significance in developing new cancer treatments and preventive strategies. Current research focuses on identifying chemical groups and structural modifications that enhance their bioactivity. This compilation provides insights into recent advancements and structure‐activity relationships of chalcone hybrids, offering potential applications for various cancer types over the past three years.