Potential photoactivated metallopharmaceuticals: from active molecules to supported drugs

Apart from cisplatin and some derivatives successful metallopharmaceuticals are still scarce in antitumour therapy. Although novel metal complexes have been investigated in preclinical settings several promising compounds failed in different phases. With the rise of new anticancer compounds new activation strategies have also evolved. Photochemical activation is one of the most important concepts as it uses pro-drugs whose activity can be triggered by light. This strategy offers the possibility to control the location, timing, and dosage of the therapeutic metal complex. Recent developments in the photoactivation of potential metallopharmaceuticals are summarized. Immobilisation of those drugs on solid matrices, such as films, particles, gels, and fibers, is an emerging field and recent findings are also discussed.