To summarize current knowledge on chalcones in NSCLC, focusing on mechanisms of action, structural modifications, and synthetic derivatives.
Approach:
Current challenges in lung cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally, with NSCLC comprising about 85% of cases. Treatment involves chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, but challenges such as resistance and side effects persist.
Chalcones as promising compounds: Chalcones are natural products with anticancer properties, showing strong effects in NSCLC models by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting angiogenesis.
Structural features of chalcones: The anticancer activity of chalcones is influenced by the structural tunability of their scaffold, allowing modifications that affect redox behavior and target interactions.
Key Findings:
Chalcones can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor progression in NSCLC.
The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of chalcones acts as a Michael acceptor, allowing multitarget interference.
Structural modifications can enhance the selectivity and potency of chalcone derivatives.
Interpretation:
Chalcones represent a promising class of compounds for NSCLC therapy, with potential for further development through structural modifications.
Limitations:
Current evidence is fragmented and lacks comprehensive synthesis of chalcone mechanisms.
Heterogeneity of experimental models complicates the establishment of structure-activity relationships.
Conclusion:
Chalcones have significant potential as therapeutic agents in NSCLC, warranting further research into their mechanisms and structural optimization.
