Recent development of azole-sulfonamide hybrids with the anticancer potential

Future Med Chem. 2024;16(12):1267-1281. doi: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2351291. Epub 2024 May 30.

Abstract

Cancer exhibits heterogeneity that enables adaptability and remains grand challenges for effective treatment. Chemotherapy is a validated and critically important strategy for the treatment of cancer, but the emergence of multidrug resistance which may lead to recurrence of disease or even death is a major hurdle for successful chemotherapy. Azoles and sulfonamides are important anticancer pharmacophores, and azole-sulfonamide hybrids have the potential to simultaneously act on dual/multiple targets in cancer cells, holding great promise to overcome drug resistance. This review outlines the current scenario of azole-sulfonamide hybrids with the anticancer potential, and the structure-activity relationships as well as mechanisms of action are also discussed, covering articles published from 2020 onward.

Keywords: azole; cancer; drug resistance; hybrid molecules; sulfonamide.

Plain language summary

[Box: see text].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Azoles* / chemistry
  • Azoles* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Sulfonamides* / chemistry
  • Sulfonamides* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Sulfonamides
  • Azoles
  • Antineoplastic Agents