title: Antimony and bismuth compounds in oncology.
abstract: The main group elements antimony and bismuth are used clinically, primarily for the treatment of Leishmaniasis (antimony) and ulcers (bismuth). Despite their medicinal efficacy, the exploration of the anti-cancer potential of antimony and bismuth compounds is not as well developed as for other metal-containing species. The results of cytotoxicity and anti-tumour screening for antimony(III), antimony(V) and bismuth(III) compounds are summarised in this review. While this is a relatively undeveloped field of research endeavour, promising anti-tumour activity has been reported, in particular for bismuth compounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, National University of, Singapore, Singapore. chmtert@nus.edu.sg
authors.forename: Edward R T
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Tiekink
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000965:Antimony / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001729:Bismuth / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D000965:Antimony; D001729:Bismuth