Bismuth dithiocarbamate complexes as anticancer agents and beyond: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bismuth dithiocarbamate (Bi-DTC) complexes are explored for cancer therapy due to unique mechanisms and low toxicity.
• Dithiocarbamate (DTC) ligands provide versatile binding and structural diversity for potent biological activity.
• Bismuth derivatives exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties, unlike bismuth alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review synthesis strategies and biological mechanisms of Bi-DTC complexes.
• To examine experimental evidence supporting the anticancer potential of Bi-DTCs.
• To highlight antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities for cancer treatment support.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of synthesis strategies for Bi-DTC complexes.
• Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies on Bi-DTC efficacy.
• Examination of data on biological mechanisms, including apoptosis induction and chemoresistance reversal.

Main Results:

• Bi-DTC complexes demonstrate significant anticancer efficacy, including tumor growth suppression.
• These compounds effectively induce apoptosis and overcome chemoresistance in cancer models.
• Bi-DTCs exhibit notable antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities.

Conclusions:

• Bi-DTC complexes represent innovative therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
• Their antimicrobial properties may aid in preventive and supportive cancer therapies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate mechanisms and optimize clinical application.