The Interactions between Heterocyclic Compounds and Target Proteins Involved with Cancer

Abstract— Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality globally. The World Health Organization forecasts that by 2030, there will be 22 million new cases of cancer globally. Extensive global research focuses on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. The metabolic profile of cancer cells is distinct from that of normal cells, attributable to epigenetic and genetic abnormalities. Numerous anti-cancer drugs available commercially feature heterocycles as their main structural element. Furthermore, anticancer drugs approved by the FDA from 2010 to 2015 contain heterocyclic rings in their chemical structure. Their extensive cellular processes and mechanisms, along with their prevalence in nature, account for their inclusion in anti-cancer medications. This study elucidates several heterocyclic compounds exhibiting anticancer effects on various cell lines. These compounds feature rings composed of nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. The collection of information on heterocyclic rings may facilitate the discovery of novel compounds with potential anticancer properties in the future.