Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CANCER BIOLOGY AND DRUG DESIGN APPROACHES

Jadhav Pooja Shriram*, Lonkar Tanuja Nanabhau, Kudande Sakshi Santosh, Dr. Kanawade Prachi

ABSTRACT

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in cancer biology, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Key signaling pathways, including p53, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK, are examined alongside the emerging role of tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, and genetic mutations in oncogenesis Advances in diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches—such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and personalized medicine—are discussed. Despite major progress, challenges persist in early detection, drug resistance, and treatment accessibility. Future research directions emphasize integrative genomics, AI-driven diagnostics, and the development of cost-effective global cancer care strategies.

Keywords: Cancer, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, precision Medicine.