Is the Next Cisplatin Already in Our Laboratory?

Since the serendipitous discovery of cisplatin, thousands of inorganic molecules have been synthesized in search of new drugs endowed with powerful anticancer activity and safe profile. As matter of fact, this magic and desired combination to date remains unmet. On the other side, after cisplatin, only two additional platinum-based drugs -that have been substantially designed as cisplatin-like molecules- have been approved at the global level, i.e., carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Accordingly, here, we try to summarize and highlight some relevant reasons for this lack of newly approved molecules. Also, we try to rationalize what are the critical steps in the discovery process (and approval) of new ameliorated anticancer metallodrugs, contributing to stimulate an open and critical scientific debate.

Automated summary

Since the accidental discovery of cisplatin, numerous inorganic molecules have been synthesized in search of new anticancer drugs with powerful activity and safety. Unfortunately, the ideal combination has yet to be achieved. Apart from cisplatin, only two platinum-based drugs, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, have been approved globally, both of which are cisplatin-like molecules. Therefore, we aim to summarize the reasons for the lack of newly approved molecules and rationalize the critical steps in the discovery and approval process of improved anticancer metallodrugs, stimulating an open and critical scientific debate.