Metal–organic complex-based chemodynamic therapy agents for cancer therapy

Abstract

In recent years, many inorganic nanoparticle-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) agents have been employed in cancer therapy; however, the relatively lower catalytic activity compared to that of other CDT agents and long-term toxicity owing to low biodegradability present significant challenges for their future clinical application. In light of this, metal–organic complex-based agents have been attracting attention as potential alternatives/complements to traditional CDT agents. During the past few years, many reports of agents with improved therapeutic potential have been published; however, no comprehensive review regarding metal–organic complex-based CDT agents has appeared to date. In this feature article, we present the different types and characteristics of metal–organic CDT agents and the potential future therapeutic applications associated with each of these. Representative agents that have been used in the field of CDT over the past 5 years are summarized, and recent advances aimed at improving the therapeutic efficacy in various tumors are highlighted. This framework allows us to discuss recent trends in the field of CDT. We also provide views as to where the field is moving and discuss how the potential of CDT agents can be broadened to include a range of clinical applications that go beyond standard CDT-based treatment strategies.