The current scenario on anticancer activity of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers

Abstract Cancer, the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality, has already posed a heavy burden on health care systems globally. In recent years, cancer treatment has made a significant breakthrough, but cancer cells inevitably acquire resistance, and the efficacy of the treatment is greatly reduced as the tumor progresses. To overcome the above issues, novel chemotherapeutics are needed urgently. Artemisinin and its derivatives—sesquiterpene lactone compounds possessing a unique peroxy bridge moiety—exhibit excellent safety and tolerability profiles. Mechanistically, artemisinin derivatives can promote cancer cell apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest and autophagy, and inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration. Accordingly, artemisinin derivatives demonstrate promising anticancer efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, and even in clinical Phase I/II trials. The purpose of the present review article is to provide an emphasis on the current scenario (January 2017–January 2022) of artemisinin derivatives with potential anticancer activity, inclusive of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers. The structure–activity relationships and mechanisms of action are also discussed to facilitate the further rational design of more effective candidates.