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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Quantifying X-Ray Fluorescence Data Using MAPS
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Microfocus x-ray fluorescence mapping of tumour penetration by an organo‑osmium anticancer complex

Carlos Sanchez-Cano1, Isolda Romero-Canelón2, Kalotina Geraki3

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry
|May 7, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A novel organo-osmium drug candidate effectively penetrates ovarian cancer cell spheroids, indicating potential for treating solid tumors. This metallodrug may overcome chemotherapy resistance, offering new hope against platinum-drug resistant cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Cancer Research
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Solid tumors present a challenge for chemotherapy due to poor drug penetration.
  • Metallodrugs are an emerging class of therapeutic agents with unique mechanisms of action.
  • Osmium-based compounds are being investigated for their anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the tumor penetration of the organo-osmium metallodrug candidate [(ŋ⁶-p-cym)Os(Azpy-NMe₂)I]⁺.
  • To assess the effects of the metallodrug on intracellular zinc and calcium distribution within cancer cells.
  • To evaluate the potential of this metallodrug in overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Microfocus synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) imaging was employed to detect the Os L edge.
  • A2780 human ovarian cancer cell spheroids were used as a model for solid tumors.
  • Changes in Zn and Ca distribution were analyzed in response to drug treatment.

Main Results:

  • The organo-osmium complex demonstrated efficient penetration into the interior of ovarian cancer cell spheroids.
  • Significant alterations in Zn and Ca distribution were observed, suggesting nuclear damage.
  • The drug initiated signaling events indicative of cell death, consistent with monolayer studies.

Conclusions:

  • The tested organo-osmium metallodrug exhibits promising tumor penetration capabilities.
  • The observed intracellular changes suggest a mechanism involving nuclear damage and cell death induction.
  • This metallodrug holds potential for combating chemotherapy resistance in solid tumors, particularly against platinum-drug resistant cancers.
Keywords:
3D spheroidsElemental mappingOrganometallic metallodrugsTumour penetrationX-ray fluorescence

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