Dear Colleagues,

Uncontrolled cell proliferation is a hallmark biological mechanism that underlies one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, cancer accounted for almost 10 million deaths in 2020.

Environmental conditions, infections, genetic factors and lifestyle contribute to the onset and progression of cancer, with many physical, chemical and biological carcinogens having been identified over the years.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and more efficient means of prevention and diagnosis have led to major advances in cancer management. However, treatment selectivity and the overcoming of drug resistance still represent major challenges. The use of modern drug discovery strategies including computer-aided drug design, drug repurposing, and advanced biochemical tools have allowed novel target validation. Meanwhile, much attention in this field is still directed at natural and nature-inspired compounds. Semi-synthetic compounds also continue to represent anticancer agents with primary relevance.

This Special Issue aims to collect reviews and research articles in the field of antiproliferative agents that report the latest findings on the identification and validation of anticancer targets, molecular mechanisms, drug discovery, drug repurposing, as well as recent updates on the medicinal chemistry of anticancer compounds.

Dr. Giovanni Ribaudo
Guest Editor