Ti(super.IV) uptake and release by human serum transferrin and recognition of Ti(super.IV)-transferrin by cancer cells: understanding the mechanism of action of the anticancer drug titanocene dichloride

It has been shown the the interactions of Cp(sub.2)TiCl(sub.2) with human serum transferrin (hTF) and that of Ti(sub.2)-hTF with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) may make it possible for transferrin to be a mediator for titanium delivery to tumor cells. Cp(sub.2)TiCl(sub.2), an organometallic cancer agent, is in phase II clinical trials as an anticancer drug. The mechanism of action, however, is not well understood. It appears that titanium transferrin may be recognized by the transferrin receptor and be taken into cancer cells.