Benzimidazole Derivatives in Breast Cancer: Target-Specific Therapeutic Breakthroughs

Abstract: Despite ongoing advancements in drug design and developments, breast cancer remains a serious and devastating disease and is ranked as the second most common illness in women. Breast cancer rates have increased significantly during the last 40 years. This necessitates the development of novel treatment techniques. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary mode of treatment for breast cancer; however, its toxicity to normal cells and drug resistance are considered the main obstacles. Researchers are looking for novel anti-breast cancer medication classes to improve cancer therapy efficacy and survival rates. Using non-targeting medicines in a 'one-size-fits-all' strategy can harm healthy cells and may not be effective for all patients. Thus, now, the treatment of breast cancer is exploring targeted-based therapy. The tactics involved in this therapy may improve patient survival rates, but their extended usage can lead to significant side effects and medication resistance. Targeted therapy enables precision medicine by targeting particular oncogenic markers in malignancies. Because of their strong cytotoxicity against several cancer cell types, heterocyclic compounds play an important role in the development of therapeutically effective anticancer drugs. Benzimidazole derivatives have grown in favour of anti-breast cancer medicines in recent years due to their broad biological characteristics and therapeutic applications. This review provides healthcare professionals and researchers with an overview of current breakthroughs (2019-2024) in benzimidazole derivatives as breast cancer-targeted therapy, based on the perspectives of leading experts. We have illuminated the diverse and evolving landscape of hybridized benzimidazole, along with its biological targets and anti-breast cancer activity. Further, we also have compiled the various ongoing clinical trials of benzimidazole scaffolds as anti-breast cancer agents. A detailed illustration of the structure-activity connection with special emphasis is provided. The effort may help to develop potent, selective, and effective drugs to combat breast cancer.