Anti-cancer Targets, Mechanisms, and Actions of Heterocyclic Moieties: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: In recent years, heterocyclic compounds have drawn significant attention because of their diverse biological activities, particularly their ability to disrupt vital molecular mechanisms that control the growth and survival of cancer cells. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to summarize information on heterocyclic moieties that have been reported in the literature to possess anticancer activity through different targets. Results: The cited information shows that heterocyclic compounds exhibit high target-specific activity due to their structural characteristics, which enable them to influence multiple cellular targets simultaneously. As a result, many heterocyclic compounds have been approved for cancer treatment, where they act by modulating therapeutic targets associated with carcinogenesis. Discussion: Heterocyclic compounds are becoming increasingly important in anticancer drug design because of their multi-targeted effects and their capacity to interfere with signalling pathways involved in cancer. Their adaptability underscores their value as building blocks for developing next-generation anticancer therapies. Conclusion: This study highlights the various heterocyclic moieties currently under investigation and their interactions with important targets such as DNA topoisomerase, VEGFR, HSP90, and the tumor microenvironment, all of which support their promising anticancer properties.