An Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties of Complex Compounds of Copper (II), Platinum (II), Palladium (II) and Ruthenium (III) for Use in Cancer Therapy

The incidence of head and neck cancer increases every year, and represents a significant problem for Molecular Biology at the beginning of the Twenty-first Century. Despite advances in treatment, most studies still strive to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of cancerogenesis. In order to develop more effective methods of diagnosis and therapy, it is necessary to understand the molecular basis of the neoplastic transformation process. Such findings obtained by research into Molecular Biology, Molecular Epidemiology and Genetics have brought significant progress in understanding the complex, multi- step process which takes place during tumor formation. For many years, there has been great interest in the use of complex compounds, particular complexes between heterocyclic compounds and the metals Pt (II), Pd (II), Cu (II) and Ru (III). One such compound is an azole called pyrazole; the azoles are known to have analgesic, antipyretic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects. Improved synthetic and separation methods and biochemical techniques have improved the identification of compounds with biological activity. The main aim of this review is to present complexes with Pt (II), Pd (II), Cu (II) and Ru (III) ions which demonstrate antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.