Cell death-inducing effect of novel palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes on non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro

Purpose Treatment for lung cancer is still far from satisfying rates. Therefore, there is a need for novel anticancer agents. For this purpose, novel platinum and palladium complexes {[Pd(sac)(terpy)](sac).4H(2)O (Complex 1), [Pt(sac)(terpy)] (sac).5H(2)O (Complex 2), [PdCl(terpy)](sac).2H(2)O (Complex 3), [PtCl(terpy)](sac).2H(2)O (Complex 4)} have been tested against three different non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299, PC-3). Methods Growth-inhibiting effcts have been tested by the MTT and ATP viability assays. Apoptosis has been detected by the caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30-antigen) assay. Necrosis has been detected by staining the cells with fluorescent dyes. Mitotic index has been calculated by counting the mitotic figures after staining with hematoxylin. Results The complex 3 exhibited significant anti-growth effects, and its anti-growth effect was more powerful than that of cisplatin that is a standard chemotherapeutic agent for this type of cancer. The complexes did not induce apoptosis, while necrosis clearly took place. Conclusions Novel Pd(II) complex ([PdCl(terpy)] (sac).2H(2)O) seems to represent a potentially active drug against non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, and further studies in vivo are warranted