Exploiting Cancer Metal Metabolism using Anti-Cancer Metal- Binding Agents

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Metals are essential for cellular functions like energy production and proliferation.
• Aberrant metal levels and metabolism are observed in various cancers.
• Targeting metal homeostasis presents a novel strategy for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of metals in cancer.
• To highlight the development of metal-binding agents, specifically thiosemicarbazones, as anti-cancer drugs.
• To discuss the pre-clinical and clinical progress of these agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on metal homeostasis in cancer.
• Analysis of thiosemicarbazone chelators as anti-cancer agents.
• Examination of pre-clinical and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

• Thiosemicarbazone derivatives exhibit potent anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects in vitro and in vivo.
• These agents demonstrate favorable toxicological profiles.
• Several thiosemicarbazone compounds are progressing through multi-center clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Metal ion-binding agents, particularly thiosemicarbazones, are promising anti-cancer therapeutics.
• Their efficacy in targeting cancer-related metal dysregulation is supported by pre-clinical and clinical evidence.
• Thiosemicarbazones represent a valuable class of drugs for treating advanced and resistant cancers.