In recent years, many studies have shown that adenosine has efficacy for treating cancer. More importantly, some adenosine analogs have been successfully marketed to fulfill anticancer purposes. In this review, we summarize the anticancer effects of adenosine and its analogs in clinical trials and preclinical studies, with focus on their anticancer mechanisms. In addition, we link the anticancer activities of adenosine analogs with their structures through structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and highlight additional promising anticancer drug candidates. We hope that this review will be of help in understanding the importance of adenosine and its analogs with anticancer activities and directing future research and development of such compounds.

近年来，许多研究表明腺苷具有治疗癌症的功效。更重要的是，一些腺苷类似物已成功上市以实现抗癌目的。在这篇综述中，我们总结了腺苷及其类似物在临床试验和临床前研究中的抗癌作用，重点介绍了它们的抗癌机制。此外，我们通过构效关系 (SAR) 分析将腺苷类似物的抗癌活性与其结构联系起来，并强调了其他有希望的抗癌候选药物。我们希望这篇综述有助于理解腺苷及其类似物具有抗癌活性的重要性，并指导未来此类化合物的研究和开发。