Organoboronic acids/esters as effective drug and prodrug candidates in cancer treatments: challenge and hope

Abstract

Boronic acids/esters have recently emerged in the field of medicinal and pharmaceutical research due to their exceptional oxophilicity, low toxicity, and unique structure. They are known as potent enzyme inhibitors, cancer therapy capture agents, and can mimic certain types of antibodies to fight infections. They have been designed and developed into drugs, and this approach has emerged in the last 20 years. Five boronic acid drugs have been approved by the FDA and Health Canada, two of which are used to treat cancer, specifically multiple myeloma. The purpose of this review is to investigate boronic acid/ester derivatives as potential pharmaceutical agents as well as the mechanism of action. It will concentrate on six types of cancer: multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer. Some newly developed boron-containing compounds have already demonstrated highly promising activities, but further investigation is required before final conclusions can be drawn.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Boronic acid
• cancer disease
• enzyme inhibitor
• mechanism
• drug

Acknowledgment

Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.

Author contributions

MA, ME, ARA, ZF, LA and EAA performed the literature search, interpreted and collected the data. The work was drafted and written by RMA. MA, ZF, LA, EAA and ARA. The final manuscript version was drafted and edited by RMZ, OMA, AAA, ABY, and MS. Conceptualisation, reviewing, and approval of the final version of the manuscript have been done by RMZ. Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Implications and contribution

Research working on developing new organoboronic acid medications for cancer diseases should consider many of the factors highlighted in the review.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library.