Developments in the Application of 1,2,3-Triazoles in Cancer Treatment

Background: The impact of cancer on modern society cannot be emphasized enough in terms of both economic and human costs. Cancer treatments are known, unfortunately, for their side effects – frequently numerous and severe. Drug resistance is another issue medical professionals have to tackle when dealing with neoplastic illnesses. Cancer rates are rising worldwide due to various factors - low-quality nutrition, air and water pollution, tobacco use, etc. For those and many other reasons, drug discovery in the field of oncology is a top priority in modern medical science. Objective: To present the reader with the latest in cancer drug discovery with regard to 1,2,3-triazole- containing molecules in a clear, concise way so as to make the present review a useful tool for researchers. Methods: Available information present on the role of 1,2,3-triazoles in cancer treatment was collected. Data was collected from scientific literature, as well as from patents. Results: A vast number of triazole-containing molecules with antiproliferative properties have been proposed, synthesized and tested for anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. The substances vary greatly when considering molecular structure, proposed mechanisms of action and affected cancer cell types. Conclusion: Triazole-containing molecules with anticancer activity are being widely synthesized and extensively tested. They vary significantly in terms of both structure and mechanism of action. The methods for their preparation and administration are well established and with proven reproducibility. These facts suggest that triazoles may play an important role in the discovery of novel antiproliferative medications with improved effectiveness and safety profile.