Ruthenium Anticancer Compounds: Challenges and Expectations

Abstract

Two ruthenium compounds, namely [ImH]trans-[RuCl4(Im)(dmso-S)] (NAMI-A, Im = imidazole) and [IndH] trans-[RuCl4(Ind)2] (KP1019, Ind = indazole) have already completed phase I clinical trials as anticancer agents. They both have properties different from platinum anticancer drugs: for example, NAMI-A is selectively active against metastases of solid tumors. They show that in the field of anticancer metal drugs a new approach, based on targeted therapies, is possible. After a concise history of ruthenium anticancer compounds, this contribution will focus on ruthenium-dmso complexes and, in particular, on NAMI-A. Particular emphasis is given on the challenges that are inherent to this field: how to develop new anticancer ruthenium compounds and how to select new active compounds that manifest their anticancer activity through non-conventional mechanisms.

DNA binding properties, histidine interaction and cytotoxicity studies of water soluble ruthenium(ii) terpyridine complexes

“…As cancer cells overexpress transferring receptors, to satisfy their increased demand for iron, ruthenium-based drugs may be delivered more efficiently to cancer cells. 11,12 6 ] have been extensively investigated by Sadler and coworkers. They were found to possess promising activity both in vitro and in vivo.…”

Synthesis, Structure, and Peroxidase Activity of an Octahedral Ru(III) Complex with a Tripodal Tetraamine Ligand

“…Especially, recent advances in the pharmaceutical applications of Ru(III) complexes as anticancer drugs have brought much attention to new developments of Ru(III) compounds. [6][7][8][9][10] Among those, octahedral Ru(III) complexes with chloride and heterocyclic azole ligands have shown promising results.…”

The interaction of platinum and ruthenium complexes with pancreatic phospholipase A2 and phospholipids

“…20,21 Dat je i osvrt na istraživanja posvećena kompleksima drugih metala kao potencijalnih hemoterapeutika.…”