Advanced cancer therapy: unlocking the potential of small molecule inhibitors.

introductionCancer is one of the predominant causes of mortality globally. Radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy are currently available methods for treating cancer. Each of these approaches has known adverse effects. Due to their better efficacy and safety over traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapeutic medicines are quickly becoming standard cancer treatments. AREAS COVERED: Small molecules have several advantages, such as being able to be given orally and having the capacity to pass through cell membranes and enter intracellular spaces. This review is going to focus on small molecules as anticancer scaffolds and researchers will be able to design new antineoplastic compounds in the future on the basis of the thoroughly discussed SAR investigation, preclinical data, clinical outcomes, and FDA approved molecules. EXPERT OPINION: Since there is currently no cure for most forms of disseminated cancer, the development of novel active chemotherapeutic drugs is essential. Small molecules are interesting drug candidates as they are able to target important molecular pathways with selectivity. An in-depth analysis of the SAR study and the available preclinical and clinical data can greatly assist in the development of the next generation of anticancer drugs that would be more potent, selective, and would interfere with fewer side effects.