Kiran Deshmukh*
Dept. of Organic Chemistry, Pune Institute of Science, India
Received: 02-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jomc-25-177983; Editor assigned: 4-Dec-2025, Pre-QC No. jomc-25-177983 (PQ); Reviewed: 14-Dec-2025, QC No jomc-25-177983; Revised: 20-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jomc-25-177983 (R); Published: 28-Dec-2025, DOI: 10.4172/ jomc.12.017
Citation: Kiran Deshmukh, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents: Advances in Therapeutic Strategies. J Med Orgni Chem. 2025.12.017.
Copyright: © 2025 Kiran Deshmukh, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Visit for more related articles at Research & Reviews: Journal of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry
Anticancer and antimicrobial agents are among the most critical classes of therapeutic drugs used to combat life-threatening diseases. Cancer and infectious diseases remain major global health challenges, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Anticancer agents are designed to inhibit the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells, while antimicrobial agents target pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Continuous research and innovation in these fields are essential due to cancer complexity and the rising threat of drug resistance in infectious diseases [1].
Anticancer agents function through diverse mechanisms, including inhibition of cell division, induction of apoptosis, and interference with specific molecular targets involved in tumor growth. Traditional chemotherapy drugs, such as alkylating agents and antimetabolites, act by damaging DNA or disrupting essential cellular processes. More recent advances have led to targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which selectively attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Examples include kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies that block specific signaling pathways critical for cancer progression [2, 3].
Antimicrobial agents, on the other hand, work by inhibiting essential functions of microorganisms, such as cell wall synthesis, protein production, or nucleic acid replication. Antibiotics like penicillins and macrolides have been highly effective in treating bacterial infections, while antifungal and antiviral drugs address other pathogenic threats. However, the widespread and often inappropriate use of antimicrobials has contributed to the emergence of resistant strains, reducing treatment effectiveness and posing a serious public health concern [4, 5].
To address these challenges, research efforts focus on discovering novel agents with unique mechanisms of action. Natural products, synthetic compounds, and bioengineered molecules serve as valuable sources for new drug candidates. Advances in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and computational modeling have accelerated the identification and optimization of potent anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Combination therapies are also increasingly used to enhance efficacy and reduce resistance development.
Anticancer and antimicrobial agents play a vital role in modern medicine by addressing two of the most serious health threats faced by humanity. While significant progress has been made in developing effective therapies, challenges such as drug resistance, toxicity, and disease complexity remain. Continued research, innovation, and responsible drug use are essential to overcome these limitations. The integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches promises the development of safer, more effective anticancer and antimicrobial agents, ultimately improving global health outcomes.
Menu