*Corresponding Author: sumanadhi@gmail.com 159 DOI:https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v37spl.014 Int. J. Exp. Res. Rev., Vol. 37: 159-173 (2024) Metal-Based Drugs in Cancer Therapy Sourav Nath 1 , Abhijit Datta 2 , Arijit Das 3 and Suman Adhikari 1 * 1 Department of Chemistry, Govt. Degree College, Dharmanagar, Tripura(N)-799253, India; 2 Department of Botany, Ambedkar College, Fatikroy, Unakoti-799290, Tripura, India; 3 Department of Chemistry, Bir Bikram Memorial College, Agartala, Tripura (W), India E-mail/Orcid Id: SN, souravdebnath021@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5264-7965;AD, abhijitdatta123@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5621-7733; AD, arijitdas78chem@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7409-7237; SA, sumanadhi@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6382-5400 Introduction Cancer, a relentless and formidable adversary, has persistently plagued humanity for centuries (Cox et al., 2021). Based on the most recent data, cancer accounts for one out of every six disease-related deaths; more specifically, one-fifth of men, as well as one-sixth of women, is detected with malignancy during their lifespan; one in eight males and eleven women pass away from it. Australia and New Zealand dominate the world in terms of cancer incidence and death rates, followed by North America and Europe (Siegel et al., 2023; Adhikari et al., 2024). Over the years, this complex disease has grown exponentially, leading to remarkable advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment (Bhattacharjee and Mukherjee, 2016; Das et al., 2021; Boga and Bisgin, 2022; Sen et al., 2022; Kesavan et al., 2023; Kulkarni et al., 2023). Among the myriad therapeutic approaches, the advancement of metal-based medications has emerged as a beacon of hope, promising a shining future in the battle against cancer (Saha and Yadav, 2023; Das et al., 2023; Solairaja et al., 2023). Historically, metal compounds have played a pivotal role in medicine, dating back to ancient civilizations where metals like Au, Cu, and Fe were employed for their healing properties (Norn et al.,2008). However, it is only in recent decades that the true potency of metal-based drugs in cancer treatment has Article History: Received: 15 th Nov., 2023 Accepted:20 th Mar., 2024 Published: 30 th Mar., 2024 Abstract: Metal-based drugs have emerged as pivotal therapeutics in cancer therapy, enlightening a path toward innovative and effective treatment strategies. Platinum-based therapeutics, notably cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, have transformed the landscape of cancer treatment, setting the stage for the development of next-generation metal-based compounds. This article explores the design of metal-based drugs, including their complex coordination chemistry, tailored drug delivery strategies, and mechanisms of action. Notably, metal-based compounds form covalent bonds with DNA, disrupting vital cellular processes and inducing apoptosis in cancerous tissues. Even though contemporary chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapeutic methods, have greatly increased patient survival rates, disease recurrence still represents a fatal danger. The probability of metastasis and drug resistance is increased by the incomplete clearance of neoplastic tissues from the body. This review explores the compelling journey of metal-based compounds like platinum, ruthenium, and copper, from their historical significance to their pivotal role in modern oncology. Also, it discusses the recent advancements and emerging trends that promise to shape the future of metallodrugs. While looking into the mechanism of action of these drugs, it was revealed that in addition to producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), metal-based drugs also impede enzyme functions and bind DNA to exert their anti-cancer effects. The shining promise for metal-based drugs in cancer remedies holds the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms, offering hope and resilience in the ongoing battle against one of humanity's most relentless adversaries. Keywords: Cancer chemotherapy, metallodrugs, platinum drugs, apoptosis, cancer cells How to cite this Article: Sourav Nath, Abhijit Datta, Arijit Das, Suman Adhikari (2024). Metal-Based Drugs in Cancer Therapy.International Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 37(Spl.), 159-173. DOI:https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v37spl.014