Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Copper is an essential micronutrient with biological significance.
• Copper complexes can enhance the anticancer activity of organic ligands.
• Copper compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms for inducing tumor cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anticancer potential of copper compounds.
• To explore the mechanisms by which copper induces tumor cell death.
• To discuss the therapeutic applications and limitations of copper-based anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on copper's role in cancer.
• Analysis of copper-induced cell death pathways (apoptosis, cuproptosis, paraptosis).
• Evaluation of copper compounds in preclinical and clinical studies for cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• Copper complexes activate apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibit angiogenesis.
• Copper nanoparticles are effective in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy.
• Copper complexes are being evaluated in clinical trials for tumor hypoxia mapping in cancers like rectal cancer.

Conclusions:

• Copper-based compounds demonstrate significant anticancer potential through various mechanisms.
• Copper nanoparticles offer versatile therapeutic applications in oncology.
• Dosage and concentration of copper are critical factors, as elevated levels may promote tumor progression.