Metals for New Cancer Drug

Results from a new study suggest that drugs made using unusual metals could form an effective treatment against colon and ovarian cancer, including cancerous cells that have developed immunity to other drugs.

Researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Leeds found that a range of compounds containing the two transition metals Ruthenium and Osmium cause significant cell death (apoptosis) in ovarian and colon cancer cells. Ruthenium and Osmium are found in the same part of the periodic table as precious metals such as platinum and gold.

The study also found that compounds may be effective against ovarian cancer cells, which are resistant to Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug.

The study was conducted using cells (in vitro) and the results have not yet been tested in humans; it was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Reference:
1) Van Rijt SH, Hebden AJ, Amaresekera T, et al. Amide Linkage Isomerism As an Activity Switch for Organometallic Osmium and Ruthenium Anticancer Complexes. J Med Chem. 2009 Sep 30. Read the study.

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