Anti-tumor activity of an arene ruthenium complex on a model of basal-like breast cancer

Background An arene ruthenium(II) complex containing neutral ligands and monoanionic nitrogen donators, has been prepared. The solid-state of the complex is an organometallic structure of half-sandwich (Arene)Ruthenium. The antiproliferative properties of this new ruthenium complex of general formula [Ru(cym)(L2)Cl]Cl, here called UNICAM1, was assessed by in vitro screening assays and in vivo mouse treatment against inoculation of A17 breast carcinoma triple negative cell line model. From our in-vitro result, it was found that the Ru-complexes exhibit lower antiproliferative activity against different human malignant cancer cells while clearly shown an ability to block cells migration and seems to be characterized by a low toxicity. This study regards the use of this Ru-complex prior characterized chemical and biochemical properties and now as a possible chemotherapeutic agent in a FVB mice model, of breast cancer. Results We observed a significant decrease of tumor growth and a noble clearance from the organism. In addition UNICAM 1 shown less side effects to the host during treatment compared to those of other chemotherapeutic metallodrugs. Conclusions Recent studies have proven that metal-containing compounds have powerful therapeutic effects against malignancy, even though these kind of complexes has not yet been thoroughly explored. Anyway, there are uncertainties with respect to the molecular mechanisms of transition metal compounds, therefore this field will retain a high level of research interest.