Metal Complexes in Anticancer Therapeutics
Summary
Metal complexes have emerged as a versatile class of anticancer agents that extend beyond the classical platinum-based drugs to include ruthenium, iridium and other transition-metal centres. By varying the central metal, oxidation state, coordination geometry and ligand set, these compounds can be fine-tuned for specific modes of action. Key mechanisms include direct DNA binding and cross-linking, disruption of redox homeostasis through catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species, targeted interference with mitochondrial metabolism and activation by light in photodynamic approaches. Recent advances have demonstrated the potential to overcome resistance to cisplatin by exploiting alternative cellular targets, such as cancer stem cell oxidative phosphorylation, and by combining metal complexes with DNA repair inhibitors for synergistic effects. Emerging designs also incorporate imaging functionality, enabling simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. Collectively, these developments underscore the global significance of metallodrugs in broadening the anticancer armamentarium and opening new avenues for precision oncology.
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Metal Complexes in Anticancer Therapeutics publication trend
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Technical terms
Coordination complex: A molecular entity in which a central metal atom or ion is bonded to surrounding ligands through coordinate covalent bonds.
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS): The mitochondrial process that generates ATP via electron transport and proton gradients.
Metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT): An electronic transition in which an electron moves from a metal-based orbital to a ligand-based orbital upon excitation.
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET): A non-radiative energy-transfer mechanism between two chromophores in close proximity, used to probe molecular interactions.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A treatment that employs photoactivatable compounds to generate cytotoxic species, such as singlet oxygen, upon light irradiation.
References
- Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as FRET Donors: Structure- and Sequence-Selective DNA-Binding and Anticancer Properties. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2023).
- Targeting cancer stem cell OXPHOS with tailored ruthenium complexes as a new anti-cancer strategy. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2024).
- The Potent Oxidant Anticancer Activity of Organoiridium Catalysts. Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2014).
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