The antitumor promise of furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine: a 2016–2025 review

Abstract

The furopyrimidine scaffold represents a promising core, integrated into numerous compounds targeting cancer and viral infections. Its appeal derives from efficient, accessible synthetic methods. Furthermore, the fused heterocyclic framework acts as a bio-isostere for purines, facilitating interactions across diverse biological pathways. Herein, we review the latest synthetic strategies for the furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine core over the past decade, alongside their established anticancer potential, including the structure–activity relationship and probable mechanism of action, and how they have advanced to preclinical and early research stages.