Technological prospection of synthetic chalcone derivatives with anticancer effects against colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadliest malignant neoplasms in the world, representing a significant public health issue. Typically, this disease is diagnosed late, making chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil the standard treatment in this context. Moreover, the curative rates of 5-fluorouracil treatment are low, and it is associated with adverse side effects. From this perspective, the search for new bioactive molecules with anticancer potential is essential. Among these, chalcones, whose synthesis and synthetic modifications are easily achieved, enable the production of new derivatives that may exhibit improved biological and physicochemical properties. Thus, technological prospection is fundamental for this purpose, as it can accurately provide a comprehensive overview of patent filings related to the topic. Based on this, this prospective study aimed to gather technological information through the number of patent documents filed regarding the use of chalcone derivatives to treat colorectal cancer. Methodologically, a technological prospection was conducted on the Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property platforms. Based on this, 25 patent filings were identified in the fields of medical or veterinary sciences and organic chemistry, mainly filed by China and South Korea. The main applicants were universities and intermediary institutions with business sectors. Regarding legal events, most patents were granted. Concerning anticancer effects, the biological activity of chalcone derivatives was tested in the HCT-116 cell line, showing primarily antiproliferative effects and induction of cell death. Thus, this research can guide further studies with synthetic chalcone derivatives for biotechnological application against colorectal cancer.