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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Review of the Most Important Research Trends in Potential Chemotherapeutics Based on Coordination Compounds of
Agnieszka Gilewska1, Barbara Barszcz1, Joanna Masternak1
1Institute of Chemistry, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Uniwersytecka 7, 25-406 Kielce, Poland.
Abstract:
This review paper presents a comprehensive literature analysis that elucidates the global engagement of research teams in addressing the important problem of finding effective oncology drugs based on the following platinum group metal ions: ruthenium, rhodium and iridium. The necessity to search for new drugs can be attributed, in part, to the predominance of platinum-based chemotherapeutics in clinical practice. However, these drugs face limitations in their clinical application due to their inherent toxicity and the development of resistance by cancer cells. A distinctive attribute of these metal compounds is the formation of diamagnetic stable complexes on +II (Ru) and +III (Rh, Ir) oxidation degrees with a d6 electron configuration, a coordination number of six and an octahedral or pseudo-octahedral structure. In this paper we have systematised the findings presented in the literature by classifying the most significant categories of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium compounds, namely piano-stool-type arenes, polypyridine and cyclometalated complexes, dimers and multinuclear complexes. Additionally, the most crucial research challenges connected with metal complexes that have been addressed by scientists have been presented: (i) the application of prodrugs in cancer therapy; (ii) the deployment of complexes as sensitizers in PDT and PACT; (iii) the exploration of complexes as inhibitors of enzymes and biocatalysts; and (iv) the investigation of multiple-target complexes. Furthermore, the objective was to emphasise the accomplishments in this domain in recent years by identifying compounds that have entered the clinical trial phase.
Insights
Researchers are exploring novel oncology drugs using ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium complexes to overcome platinum drug resistance and toxicity. This review highlights advancements in metal-based cancer therapeutics, including prodrugs and targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Platinum-based drugs are mainstays in cancer therapy but face limitations due to toxicity and resistance.
- Ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium offer promising alternatives for novel oncology drug development.
- These metals form stable complexes with unique electronic and structural properties suitable for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review global research on ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium complexes as potential oncology drugs.
- To categorize key classes of these metal-based compounds and their therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight recent advancements and challenges in developing metal-based cancer therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature analysis of research on Ru, Rh, and Ir metal complexes in oncology.
- Systematic classification of compound categories (e.g., piano-stool, polypyridine, cyclometalated, dimers).
- Identification of key research challenges and therapeutic applications (prodrugs, PDT, enzyme inhibition, multiple targets).
Main Results:
- Significant progress in developing Ru, Rh, and Ir complexes for cancer treatment.
- Categorization of complexes into distinct structural and functional groups.
- Advancements in prodrug strategies, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and enzyme inhibition approaches.
Conclusions:
- Ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium complexes show great promise for overcoming limitations of current platinum-based chemotherapy.
- Further research into diverse complex structures and targeted delivery is crucial for clinical translation.
- Several metal-based compounds are progressing towards or are in clinical trials, indicating therapeutic potential.
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