Latest developments in metal complexes as anticancer agents

Every year novel biologically active compounds are designed as antitumor agents. This review covers and highlights some of the most important findings described during 2018-2020 to appoint the benefits and drawbacks regarding the activity and toxicity of the metal-based cancer drug candidates. We review new multi-action platinum(IV) prodrugs and other metal complexes with high chemotherapeutic potential, which are designed to overcome cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. We also overview new complexes of Os(II), Ru(II), Ir(III), and Zn(II) used for photodynamic therapy, as well as the complexes conjugated with conventional drugs exhibiting new mechanisms of action. Promising complexes that exceed the selectivity of cisplatin, highly effective in vitro and in vivo, against certain types of neoplasms are distinguished in the lung, colon, liver, stomach, breast cancers and others. CO 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review examines important research findings on the activity and toxicity of metal-based cancer drug candidates from 2018 to 2020. New multi-action platinum(IV) prodrugs and other metal complexes are designed to overcome cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. The review also discusses the use of new metal complexes for photodynamic therapy and the conjugation of complexes with conventional drugs, showcasing their new mechanisms of action.