Fluorescent metal-based complexes as cancer probes

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2020 Jul 1;30(13):127219. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127219. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Abstract

The ability to track drugs inside of cells and tumours has been highly valuable in cancer research and diagnosis. Metal complexes add attractive features to fluorescent drugs, such as targeting and specificity, solubility and uptake or photophysical properties. This review focuses on the latest fluorescent metal-based complexes, their cellular targets, photophysical properties and possible anticancer effects.

Keywords: Anticancer probes; Fluorescence microscopy; Fluorescent probes; Metal complexes; Metal-based probes; Targeting; Theranostics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / radiation effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Coordination Complexes / radiation effects
  • Coordination Complexes / therapeutic use*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / radiation effects
  • Fluorescent Dyes / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry
  • Metals, Heavy / radiation effects
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Metals, Heavy