Small-molecule MDM2-p53 inhibitors: recent advances

Potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 interaction intended for the treatment of p53 wild-type tumors have been designed and optimized in a number of chemical series. This review details recent disclosures of compounds in advanced optimization and features key series that have given rise to clinical trial candidates. The structure–activity relationships for inhibitor classes are discussed with reference to x-ray structures, and common structural features are identified.