Leaving the lysosome behind: novel developments in autophagy inhibition

Future Med Chem. 2016 Jan;8(1):73-86. doi: 10.4155/fmc.15.166. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

The search for a single silver bullet for the treatment of cancer has now been overshadowed by the identification of multiple therapeutic targets unique to each malignancy and even to each patient. In recent years, autophagy has emerged as one such therapeutic target. In response to both therapeutic and oncogenic stress, cancer cells upregulate and demonstrate an increased dependence upon this intracellular recycling process. Particularly in malignancies that currently lack targeted therapeutic options, autophagy inhibitors are the next hopeful prospects for the treatment of this disease. In this review, we discuss the rapid evolution of autophagy inhibitors from early lysosomotropic agents to next-generation lysosome-targeted drugs and beyond.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / chemistry
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Autophagy / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / drug effects*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Antineoplastic Agents