Complexes of gallium(III) and other metal ions and their potential in the treatment of neoplasia

The metal complexes of a variety of ligands show diverse pharmacological pr operties. The potential of these compounds as antineoplastic agents is unde rlined by the success of the clinically used platinum complex cisplatin (ci s-[(NH3)(2)PtCl2]). In the current review, specific examples of gallium, co pper, ruthenium and titanium complexes are discussed with special relevance to their use in the treatment of cancer. Some of these complexes have demo nstrated marked activity in a number of animal models and for some compound s, clinical trials are anticipated or have already begun. Collectively, the results in the literature indicate that the study of metal complexes as an tineoplastic agents deserves continued intensive investigation.