Molecular-Level Understanding of the Anticancer Action Mechanism of Anthracyclines

Anthracyclines drugs are used as a treatment regime to combat cancer owing to their great chemotherapeutic potential. They are characterized by the presence of a wide range of derivatives, the most famous are doxorubicin and daunorubicin. The proposed action mechanism of anthracyclines and their der...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shandilya, Manish, Sharma, Shrutika, Das, Prabhu Prasad, Charak, Sonika
Format: Book Chapter
Language:English
Published: IntechOpen 2020
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Online Access:https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73668
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Summary:Anthracyclines drugs are used as a treatment regime to combat cancer owing to their great chemotherapeutic potential. They are characterized by the presence of a wide range of derivatives, the most famous are doxorubicin and daunorubicin. The proposed action mechanism of anthracyclines and their derivatives to exert cytotoxic effect involves the intercalation of the drug molecule into nucleic acid and inhibition of the activity of topoisomerases. These events consequences in halting DNA replication and transcription mechanisms of the cell. Understanding of the structural and conformational changes associated with nucleic acid after binding with drugs provides significant knowledge for the development of more effective drugs. A comprehensive elucidation of the molecular mechanism(s) of action of anthracyclines drugs plays a significant role in the rational drug designing to obtain an effective, selective, and safe anti-cancer drugs.
ISBN:978-1-83968-867-6
DOI:10.5772/intechopen.94180