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Addressing Clinical Challenges of Platinum Anticancer Drugs through Rational Chemical Design

delete2026-07-11
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PRE
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S
Shuren Zhang *
Z
Zijian Guo *
DOI:10.1021/acs.accounts.6c00342delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
ConspectusPlatinum (Pt)-based anticancer drugs have been a cornerstone of chemotherapy for decades, yet their clinical application remains constrained by dose-limiting systemic toxicity and drug resistance. In this Account, we summarize our systematic efforts to address these challenges through two complementary strategies: 1) functionalization of Pt(IV) prodrugs and 2) spatially controlled targeted delivery. The kinetic inertness and octahedral geometry of Pt(IV) complexes offer a versatile platform for axial functionalization, allowing the integration of diverse bioactive ligands that are released upon intracellular reduction. Exploiting this feature, we have developed multifunctional Pt(IV) prodrugs that co-target DNA damage repair and apoptotic pathways, rewire cholesterol and energy metabolism, induce nonapoptotic cell death including PANoptosis and autophagy-associated death, and epigenetically silence resistance-associated gene networks via chromatin compaction. To engage the tumor immune microenvironment, we have incorporated immunomodulators─including STING agonists, TREM2/CD33 inhibitors, and STAT3 blockers─to amplify innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. Furthermore, we have developed radiotherapy-responsive Pt(IV) prodrugs that undergo rapid, X-ray-triggered reduction mediated by hydrated electrons, enabling spatiotemporally precise drug activation with markedly attenuated systemic toxicity. This strategy is currently advancing toward clinical translation through IND-enabling studies. In parallel, we have established targeted delivery platforms to improve the spatial precision of Pt agents. Mitochondria-targeted complexes redirect cytotoxicity to an organelle lacking efficient DNA repair, disrupting bioenergetics and triggering intrinsic apoptosis. At the tissue level, biotin-mediated targeting exploits overexpressed vitamin transporters for tumor-selective accumulation, while Pt(IV)–antibody conjugates (Pt-ADCs) achieve antigen-specific delivery, upregulate tumor MHC-I expression, expand TCR clonotypes, and synergize with PD-1 blockade. Additionally, a stimuli-responsive in situ self-assembly strategy enables enzyme-triggered nanostructure formation and intracellular disassembly for enhanced tumor accumulation and burst drug release. An immunocompetent patient-derived organoid platform has been established to screen these agents in a clinically relevant setting. The integration of multifunctional modulation, targeted delivery, and externally controlled activation within single Pt-based systems creates a synergistic framework that simultaneously addresses resistance and toxicity. Moving forward, our research will focus on optimizing pharmaceutical properties, advancing radiotherapy-responsive Pt(IV) prodrugs and Pt-ADCs toward clinical evaluation, and refining predictive screening platforms. These programmable Pt therapeutics hold considerable promise for delivering safer and more effective precision chemotherapy to cancer patients.

Journal

Accounts of Chemical Research cover
Accounts of Chemical Research
IF:
17.7
Papers:
6.3K
Citations:
8.7W

Organization

N
nanjing university
Scholars:
7.6W
Papers: 5.5W
Citations: 87
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