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Shrine Journal of Research and Sciences (SJRS)

ISSN: 3069-2059

Mini Review

Gold-Base Complexes as Therapeutic Agents for Cancer Diseases

Volume 2  Issue 1, 2025

DOI : To be assigned

Petya Marinova*
Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry with Methodology of Chemistry Education, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Corresponding Author
Petya Marinova, Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry with Methodology of Chemistry Education, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Received  : August 07, 2025

Published : August 21, 2025

Keywords

Gold(I) and Gold(III) complexes; Metalorganic complexes; Anticancer agents; Metal-based chemotherapy

Abstract

Gold (III) complexes have emerged as promising chemotherapeutic agents due to their structural versatility, unique redox behavior, and ability to interact with diverse intracellular targets. This mini review highlights recent developments in the design and biological evaluation of gold(III) compounds bearing isoquinoline alkaloids, Schiff base, phosphine, and chiral ligands. These complexes exhibit significant antitumor activities through mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and thioredoxin reductase inhibition. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) insights emphasize the role of ligand modification in enhancing complex stability, cellular uptake, and selectivity toward cancer cells. The integration of chiral ligands and bioorthogonal activation strategies further expands the therapeutic scope of gold-based agents. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of gold(III/I) complexes as a versatile platform for next-generation anticancer drug development.