Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
An Insight into the Effect of Schiff Base and their d and f Block Metal Complexes on Various Cancer Cell Lines as
Presenjit1,2, Shubhra Chaturvedi1, Akanksha Singh3
1Radiological Nuclear and Imaging Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, DRDO, Timarpur, 110054, Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Over the last few decades, an alarming rise in the percentage of individuals with cancer and those with multi-resistant illnesses has forced researchers to explore possibilities for novel therapeutic approaches. Numerous medications currently exist to treat various disorders, and the development of small molecules as anticancer agents has considerable potential. However, the widespread prevalence of resistance to multiple drugs in cancer indicates that it is necessary to discover novel and promising compounds with ideal characteristics that could overcome the multidrug resistance issue. The utilisation of metallo-drugs has served as a productive anticancer chemotherapeutic method, and this approach may be implemented for combating multi-resistant tumours more successfully. Schiff bases have been receiving a lot of attention as a group of compounds due to their adaptable metal chelating abilities, innate biologic properties, and versatility to tweak the structure to optimise it for a specific biological purpose. The biological relevance of Schiff base and related complexes, notably their anticancer effects, has increased in their popularity as bio-inorganic chemistry has progressed. As a result of learning about Schiff bases antitumor efficacy against multiple cancer cell lines and their complexes, researchers are motivated to develop novel, side-effect-free anticancer treatments. According to study reports from the past ten years, we are still seeking a powerful anticancer contender. This study highlights the potential of Schiff bases, a broad class of chemical molecules, as potent anticancer agents. In combination with other anticancer strategies, they enhance the efficacy of treatment by elevating the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy, surmounting drug resistance, and promoting targeted therapy. Schiff bases also cause cancer cell DNA repair, improve immunotherapy, prevent angiogenesis, cause apoptosis, and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. The present review explores the development of potential Schiff base and their d and f block metal complexes as anticancer agents against various cancer cell lines.
Insights
Schiff bases and their metal complexes show promise as novel anticancer agents. These compounds can overcome multidrug resistance and enhance chemotherapy efficacy, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence and multidrug resistance necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Existing treatments face challenges due to widespread drug resistance.
- Metallo-drugs and small molecules offer potential but require optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Schiff bases and their d and f block metal complexes as anticancer agents.
- To review the potential of these compounds in overcoming multidrug resistance.
- To highlight their role in enhancing current cancer treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Schiff bases and their metal complexes.
- Analysis of their chemical structures and biological properties.
- Evaluation of their anticancer efficacy against various cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- Schiff bases exhibit adaptable metal chelating abilities and tunable structures.
- Their complexes demonstrate significant anticancer activity.
- They show potential in overcoming multidrug resistance and enhancing chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Schiff bases and their metal complexes are promising candidates for novel anticancer drugs.
- They offer multifaceted therapeutic benefits, including apoptosis induction and angiogenesis inhibition.
- Further development is warranted to create effective, side-effect-free cancer treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cancer
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

