Topoisomerase II inhibitors in oncology: an updated patent review (2016-present)

INTRODUCTION: Topoisomerase (topo) II inhibitors continue to represent a promising approach in anticancer therapy, although their clinical application is hampered by drug resistance and dose limiting toxicities. AREA COVERED: We performed a critical analysis of patent literature from January 2016 to January 2025 on topo II inhibitors in oncology using the online databases Espacenet, Wipo, and Google patent. EXPERT OPINION: data or mechanistic insights, and none have progressed to clinical trials, highlighting a gap between preclinical innovation and clinical translation. Future research needs advancing in clinical development to fully realize the therapeutic potential of next-generation topo II inhibitors.