The year 2024 witnessed significant advancements in cancer therapy, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving 56 anticancer drugs for various malignancies. These approvals encompass 36 organic small molecules and 20 macromolecular monoclonal antibody conjugates, each with distinct mechanisms of action targeting key oncogenic pathways. Among the small molecules, kinase inhibitors such as Ribociclib, Imatinib Mesylate, and Nilotinib Hydrochloride Dihydrate modulate critical signaling cascades, while antimetabolites like Fluorouracil and Pemetrexed Disodium disrupt nucleotide biosynthesis. Other classes include DNA-damaging agents (Mitomycin, Gemcitabine Hydrochloride), immune modulators (Pomalidomide, Lenalidomide), and hormonal antagonists (Abiraterone Acetate, Erleada). The macromolecular therapeutics primarily consist of monoclonal antibody-based agents, such as Keytruda, Tecentriq, and Imfinzi, which enhance immune checkpoint inhibition, and antibody-drug conjugates like Enhertu and Elahere, which deliver cytotoxic payloads with high specificity. This review systematically examines the chemical synthesis, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic indications of these FDAapproved agents, emphasizing their role in improving patient outcomes. By analyzing their structural frameworks and biological targets, we aim to provide insights into current trends in anticancer drug development and potential future directions.
Islam et al. (Tue,) studied this question.