Recent Advances in Copper-Based Organic Complexes and Nanoparticles for Tumor Theranostics

Treatment of drug-resistant forms of cancer requires consideration of their hallmark features, such as abnormal cell death mechanisms or mutations in drug-responding molecular pathways. Malignant cells differ from their normal counterparts in numerous aspects, including copper metabolism. Intracellular copper levels are elevated in various cancer types, and this phenomenon could be employed for the development of novel oncotherapeutic approaches. Copper maintains the cell oxidation levels, regulates the protein activity and metabolism, and is involved in inflammation. Various copper-based compounds, such as nanoparticles or metal-based organic complexes, show specific activity against cancer cells according to preclinical studies. Herein, we summarize the major principles of copper metabolism in cancer cells and its potential in cancer theranostics.

Automated summary

The treatment of drug-resistant cancer forms requires consideration of their unique characteristics such as abnormal cell death mechanisms or mutations in drug-responding molecular pathways. Copper metabolism is particularly important in cancer cells due to its role in maintaining cellular oxidation levels, regulating protein activity, and involvement in inflammation. Preclinical studies have shown that copper-based compounds exhibit specific activity against cancer cells and have the potential for the development of novel cancer therapeutics.