Report on Recently (2017–20) Designed Quinoline‐Based Human Cancer Cell Growth Inhibitors

Abstract Quinoline has been a most essential pharmacophore, derivatization of which led to enticing pharmacological properties. Quinoline is responsible for a wide range of biological potencies such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti‐leishmanial, antimalarial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Out of these clinical importances, the anticancer property of heterocycles is of greatest concern as cancer has become a major threat globally. Since some natural products containing quinoline moiety have displayed cancer inhibition potency, quinoline has been given highest priority in the anticancer drug design and development. In addition, quinoline has got eight positions including nitrogen for substitution which may result in some potential anticancer properties. Ever since, this extraordinary potential is being utilized in anticancer drug discovery. In this review, the various trends in drug design of quinoline moiety anticipating finest anticancer properties through cancer cell growth inhibition are collated comprehensively. The review work is classified based on type of quinoline derivatives. Besides this, with the aid of structure‐activity relationship discussion, the importance of structural units that contributed to strongest activity towards cancer inhibition is emphasized. The particular activity would help to bring further advanced anticancer agents in the future.