Glycomimetics and platinum-group metal complexes as potential drugs

Abstract

The thesis is a review of novel potential anticancer agents. Glycomimetics are synthetic carbohydrates, that mimics carbohydrates and play a critical role in cancer therapy by acting like inhibitirs, their structural stability and specificity make them promising alternatives to natural glycans in therapeutic applications. Platinum-group metal complexes, including platinum, ruthenium, and iridium compounds, are key components in anticancer drug development due to their ability to induce apoptosis, and overcome resistance in cancer cells. Among these, half-sandwich complexes are particularly notable for their modular structures, enabling engineering of their properties for enhanced selectivity, reduced toxicity, and improved activity against drug-resistant tumors. These compounds represent a significant advancement in the design of targeted, more effective anticancer treatments. Chemical Glycobiology Research Group of the Organic Chemistry Department of the University of Debrecen synthesized and patented new potential ligands for anticancer chemotherapy.