Anti-cancer action of metal complexes: electron transfer and oxidative stress?

Evidence is presented in support of an electron transfer mechanism for various metal complexes possessing anti-neoplastic properties. Cyclic voltammetry was performed on several metallocenes, bis(acetato)bis(imidazole)Cu(II), and coordination compounds (Cu or Fe) of the antitumor agents, bipyridine, phenanthroline, hydroxyurea, diethyldithiocarbamate, and alpha, alpha'-bis(8-hydroxyquinolin-7-yl)-4-methoxytoluene. The favorable reduction potentials ranged from +0.5 to -0.5 Electrochemical behavior is correlated in some cases with structure and physiological activity. Relevant literature data are discussed.