Biomarkers to assess the efficiency of treatment with platinum-based drugs: what can metallomics add?

Metallomics. 2014 Dec;6(12):2176-88. doi: 10.1039/c4mt00192c. Epub 2014 Nov 12.

Abstract

Since the approval of cisplatin as an antineoplastic drug, the medical and the scientific communities have been concerned about the side effects of platinum-based drugs, and this has been the dose-limiting factor that leads to reduced treatment efficiency. Another important issue is the intrinsic or acquired resistance of some patients to treatment. Identifying proper biomarkers is crucial in evaluating the efficiency of a treatment, assisting physicians in determining, at early stages, whether or not the patient presents resistance to the drug, minimizing severe side effects, and allowing them to redirect the established course of chemotherapy. A great effort is being made to identify biomarkers that can be used to predict the outcome of the treatment of cancer patients with platinum-based drugs. In this context, the metallomic approach has not yet been used to its full potential. Since the basis of these drugs is platinum, the monitoring of biomarkers containing this metal should be the natural approach to evaluate treatment progress. This review intends to show where the research in this field stands and points out some gaps that can be filled by metallomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Metalloproteins / analysis*
  • Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Platinum Compounds / adverse effects
  • Platinum Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Prognosis
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Metalloproteins
  • Platinum Compounds