Preclinical Trials of Cancer Stem Cells Targeted by Metal-Based Coordination Complexes: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Oncology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance.
• Limited effective therapeutic agents target CSCs.
• Metal-based coordination complexes are being explored as novel anti-CSC agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review preclinical evidence on metal-based coordination complexes as anti-CSC agents.
• To assess the efficacy and mechanisms of these compounds in CSC models.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of 27 in vitro studies evaluating metal compounds on CSC-enriched cancer cell lines.
• Critical appraisal of studies for methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Copper-based metal complexes demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against CSCs, primarily via apoptosis induction.
• Modulation of key CSC markers (e.g., CD44, CD133, SOX2) was frequently reported.
• Breast cancer was the most studied tumor type; most studies were in vitro and from the UK.

Conclusions:

• Metal coordination complexes, especially copper-based ones, exhibit therapeutic potential against CSCs.
• Further in vivo research and mechanistic studies are crucial for clinical translation.
• These compounds may offer a novel strategy to overcome CSC-mediated therapy resistance.