Application of glycoconjugated metal complexes in cancer therapy

The targeted delivery of metal complexes to specific cell populations based on metabolic characteristics represents a significant and complex challenge, with broad potential applications in the therapy of diseases such as cancer. This review systematically summarizes the recent advancements in the application of glycoconjugated metal complexes for targeted cancer therapy. Capitalizing on the Warburg effect-a hallmark of cancer metabolism characterized by heightened glucose uptake-these complexes are designed to selectively target cancer cells that overexpress glucose transporters. By conjugating bioactive metal centers (e.g., Pt, Ru, Au, Ir) with sugar moieties, these complexes significantly enhance tumor selectivity, improve aqueous solubility, and reduce systemic toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapeutics. This article comprehensively reviews their application across a wide range of cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, skin, etc., highlighting their mechanisms of action, superior efficacy, and improved safety profiles in both in vitro and in vivo models. The rational design strategies, structural-activity relationships, and emerging combination therapies are also discussed. Glycoconjugated metal complexes represent a promising frontier in the development of targeted, biocompatible anticancer agents with the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional metal-based drugs.