Underestimated potential of organometallic rhenium complexes as anticancer agents.

Abstract

In the recent years, organometallic compounds have become recognized as promising anti-cancer drug candidates. While radioactive (186/188)Re compounds are already used in clinics for cancer treatment, cold Re organometallic compounds have mostly been explored as luminescent probes for cell imaging and photosensitizers in photocatalysis. However, a growing number of studies have recently revealed the potential of Re organometallic complexes as anti-cancer agents. Several compounds have displayed cytotoxicity equaling or exceeding that of the well-established anti-cancer drug cisplatin. In this review, we present the currently known Re organometallic complexes that have shown anti-proliferative activity on cancer cell lines. A particular emphasis is placed on their cellular uptake and localization as well as their potential mechanism of action.

• Authors: Anna Leonidova, Gilles Gasser
• Journal: ACS chemical biology (ACS Chem Biol) Vol. 9 Issue 10 Pg. 2180-93 (Oct 17 2014) ISSN: 1554-8937 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25137157 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Organometallic Compounds
• Rhenium

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Organometallic Compounds (pharmacology)
• Rhenium (pharmacology)