Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Organometallic Anticancer Compounds

Abstract

Because of their structural variety, unique action mechanisms, and ability to circumvent resistance mechanisms linked with conventional chemotherapeutics, organometallic compounds have recently gained attention as a possible class of anticancer medicines. Organometallic complexes are distinct from organic medications because they contain both metal and organic ligands. This allows for regulated reactivity, specific targeting of biomolecular pathways, and programmable redox characteristics. Recent advances in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of organometallic anticancer compounds are reviewed in this paper. The review focuses on how cytotoxicity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics are affected by variations in metal identity, oxidation state, coordination geometry, and ligand substitution patterns. Metal-based chemotherapy was initially based on platinum-based meds like cisplatin and carboplatin; however, problems with toxicity and resistance have prompted studies into non-platinum systems, such as complexes of ruthenium, gold, and iridium. According to SAR studies, ligand design is crucial for controlling biological activity; elements including electronic effects, steric hindrance, and lipophilicity dictate cellular uptake, DNA-binding affinity, and enzyme inhibition. The discovery of structural motifs associated with anticancer efficacy has been expedited by developments in computational chemistry, crystallography, and high-throughput screening. Conjugation techniques involving biomolecules and nanoparticles have further improved stability and tumor targeting.