International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): IJHET MAY 2026

A Literature Review On The Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Approach In The Optimization And Development Of Anticancer Compounds As Drug Candidates

Saeful Amin (a:1:{s:5:"en_US"
s:29:"Bakti Tunas Husada University"
})

Annisa Nurwafi (Bakti Tunas Husada University)
Jingga Ramdhina (Bakti Tunas Husada University)
Putri Nuraisyah (Bakti Tunas Husada University)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and selective therapeutic strategies. One widely used approach in medicinal chemistry is the Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR), which aims to understand the relationship between the chemical structure of compounds and their biological activity. This study aims to analyze the role of the SAR approach in the optimization and development of anticancer compounds as drug candidates through a literature review of 15 scientific journals. The method used is a descriptive-comparative approach by evaluating parameters such as compound structure, types of substituents, biological activity, and mechanisms of action. The results indicate that structural modifications, including the addition of hydroxyl, methoxy, and halogen groups, as well as molecular hybridization strategies, significantly enhance anticancer activity, as reflected by IC₅₀ values ​​in the micromolar to nanomolar range. Furthermore, modified compounds tend to exhibit higher selectivity and more specific mechanisms of action toward biological targets. Therefore, the SAR approach is proven to be effective as a foundation for the rational design of more optimal anticancer compounds. The implications of this study suggest that integrating SAR with biological evaluation and formulation development may lead to more effective and safer anticancer drug candidates.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhet

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Dentistry Engineering Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

International Journal of Health, Engineering and Technology (IJHET) is to provide research media and an important reference for the progress and dissemination of research results that support high-level research in the field of Health, Engineering and technology. Original theoretical work and ...