Boron clusters as breast cancer therapeutics

Since the foundation of small molecule-based therapeutics over 100 years ago, their design has been dominated by organic based components. This has also been apparent in anti-cancer therapeutics in a broad range of strategies; from the older DNA chelating drugs, to the more recent molecular-targeted therapies. The main challenges facing current treatments; multidrug resistance and low therapeutic index, can potentially be alleviated by the incorporation of boron clusters. While retaining the versatility of their organic counterparts, these compounds offer a unique set of molecular interactions, which are a useful tool in targeted therapies and can improve many organic formulations with their incorporation. This review will discuss the potential of boron clusters in medicine while focusing on their activity in the breast cancer setting.

Automated summary

The design of small molecule-based therapeutics has been dominated by organic components since their foundation over 100 years ago, but the incorporation of boron clusters shows potential in overcoming multidrug resistance and improving therapeutic index. These compounds offer a unique set of molecular interactions in targeted therapies and have the ability to enhance the effectiveness of many organic formulations.