Antitumor Activity of Pt(II), Ru(III) and Cu(II) Complexes

Molecules. 2020 Jul 31;25(15):3492. doi: 10.3390/molecules25153492.

Abstract

Metal complexes are currently potential therapeutic compounds. The acquisition of resistance by cancer cells or the effective elimination of cancer-affected cells necessitates a constant search for chemical compounds with specific biological activities. One alternative option is the transition metal complexes having potential as antitumor agents. Here, we present the current knowledge about the application of transition metal complexes bearing nickel(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), ruthenium(III), and ruthenium(IV). The cytotoxic properties of the above complexes causing apoptosis, autophagy, DNA damage, and cell cycle inhibition are described in this review.

Keywords: antitumor activity; apoptosis; cobalt; copper; imidazole; ruthenium.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Autophagy / drug effects
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cobalt / chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes / pharmacology*
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Platinum Compounds / chemistry
  • Platinum Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Proteasome Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Proteasome Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Ruthenium Compounds / chemistry
  • Ruthenium Compounds / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Platinum Compounds
  • Proteasome Inhibitors
  • Ruthenium Compounds
  • Cobalt
  • Copper
  • Nickel
  • DNA