Challenges and advancements in high-throughput screening strategies for cancer therapeutics

Abstract

Drug discovery relies on high-throughput screening (HTS) methods incorporating both target- and cell-based assays. This comprehensive review delves into the challenges and benefits associated with these assays within the context of HTS. The strategies for developing screening assays, spanning both primary and secondary screens for target identification, are discussed. Furthermore, we review the methods of identifying the most efficacious drugs through these approaches for the treatment of cancer in detail. While various drugs have been identified for cancer treatment, there remains a pressing need for more relevant phenotypic assays. These assays aim to produce the desired disease phenotype, with a specific emphasis on highlighting targets rather than off-targets. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for innovative drug development strategies that can effectively treat cancer patients, thereby reducing the mortality rate.