Future Antineoplastic Agents

Finally these compounds may also present in the future some interest in the area of novel anti-tumor drugs, or in photochemotherapy [12], Up to now the mechanism of action of the Pt complexes as antineoplastic agents has been extensively examined [13]. In spite of their successful applications, there is a need in compounds that are less toxic than the Pt derivatives. Therefore novel photo-active metallic compounds could offer future possibilities for cancer treatment. The fact that a drug would become active exclusively under illumination might represent an advantage. 

Apart from their antibacterial action the nitrofurans have been tested as antiprotozoic, antihelminthic, antihypertensive and antineoplastic agents . The trials for these indications, however, are still in their neophyte stages, and it remains the task of future researchers to determine the importance of these additional indications for the nitrofurans. 

Cragg, G.M. and Newman, D.J. (2000) Antineoplastic agents from natural sources achievements and future directions. Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 9 2783-2797. 

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