Synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer activity of copper(II) compounds

Abstract

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, despite having some treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Metal complexes are a promising alternative for cancer treatment, as seen in cisplatin results. However, it has relevant toxicity, so that its use is limited. In this way, other metals began to be used to form complexes with antitumor potential. One of these metals is copper, which has already had some complexes characterized and presented an antitumor potential and low toxicity to the organism. Herein, we propose to use copper complexes with ligands such as thiosemicarbazones, thiadiazole, methionine, and picolinate as alternative drugs as anticancer agents. The cytotoxicity effects of these new compounds will be tested in assays using the human tumor cell lines MCF7 (ATCC -HTB-22) and normal cell (ATCC - PCS-201-012).