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Several authorities have implied that nanotechnology has a significant future in the development of advanced cancer therapies. Nanotechnology makes it possible to simultaneously administer drug combinations and engage the immune system to fight cancer. Nanoparticles can locate metastases in different organs and deliver medications to them. Using them allows for the effective reduction of tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissue. Transition-metal nanoparticles, through Fenton-type or Haber–Weiss-type reactions, generate reactive oxygen species. Through oxidative stress, the particles induce cell death via different pathways. The main limitation of the particles is their toxicity. Certain factors can control toxicity, such as route of administration, size, aggregation state, surface functionalization, or oxidation state. In this review, we attempt to discuss the effects and toxicity of transition-metal nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for new, safer, and more effective agents to treat cancer. Cytostatics that have transition metals at their core have attracted renewed interest from scientists. Researchers are attempting to use chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin, in combination therapy (i.e., in order to enhance their effectiveness). Moreover, studies are being carried out to modify molecules, by developing them into multinuclear structures, linking different compounds to commonly used drugs, or encapsulating them in nanoparticles to improve pharmacokinetic parameters, and increase the selectivity of these drugs. Therefore, we attempted to organize recent drug findings that contain palladium and platinum atoms in their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bis(thiosemicarbazone) derivatives with/without platinum were synthesized. • TioPt exhibited the most potent anticancer properties against breast cancer cells. • TioPt had a sparing effect against MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells. • Pt(II) complex induced apoptosis (↑ caspase 8 and 3/7 activity, ↓ ΔΨ m) in cells. • The tested derivatives were not activators of autophagy in breast cancer cells. The study aims to synthesize a novel bis(thiosemicarbazone) derivative based on platinum (thioPt) and evaluate its anticancer properties against MFC-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. A new platinum complex was synthesised by reacting K 2 PtCl 4 with 2,2′-(1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(hydrazine-1-carbothioamide) in ethanol in the presence of K 2 CO 3. In the obtained complex, the platinum atom is coordinated by a conjugated system = N -N C-S-The structures of the new compound were characterised using NMR spectroscopy, HR MS, IR, and X-ray structural analysis. The obtained results of the cytotoxicity assay indicate that compound thioPt had potent anticancer activity (MCF-7: 61.03 ± 3.57 µM, MDA-MB-231: 60.05 ± 5.40 µM) with less toxicity against normal MCF-10A breast epithelial cells, even compared to the reference compound (cisplatin). In addition, subsequent experiments found that thioPt induces apoptosis through both an extrinsic (↑caspase 8 activity) and intrinsic (↓ΔΨ m) pathway, which ultimately leads to an increase in active caspase 3/7 levels. The induction of autophagy and levels of proteins involved in this process (LC3A/B and Beclin-1) were examined in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells exposed to tested compounds (thio, thioPt, cisPt) at a concentration of 50 µM for 24 h. Based on these results, it can be concluded that thio and thioPt do not significantly affect the autophagy process. This demonstrates their superiority over cisplatin, which can stimulate cancer cell survival through its effect on stimulation of autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]