Comprehensive review of metal-based coordination compounds in cancer therapy: from design to biochemical reactivity

Abstract Throughout history, metal-based coordination compounds have been used for medical purposes, including the treatment of various illnesses like cancer. Since the discovery of cisplatin in 1965, many other metal coordinating complexes have been developed and evaluated, involving metals such as platinum, iron, zinc, ruthenium, gold, silver, titanium, and copper. The goal behind these efforts is to create effective and safe medications. At the moment, there are a lot of studies talking about the use of cytostatic metal complexes, mainly on promising platinum- and non-platinum-based drugs in both preclinical and clinical trials. However, there is a lack of recent comprehensive studies that cover both the chemical and biological aspects of metal-based coordinating molecules in the context of cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of the coordination chemistry of existing and innovative cytostatic substances. It will include a description of their design and synthesis, as well as a summary of the biochemical reactivity and physicochemical features of potential metal-containing complexes.