Niacin-ligated platinum(iv)-ruthenium(ii) chimeric complexes synergistically suppress tumor metastasis and growth with potentially reduced toxicity in vivo.

Niacin-ligated platinum(iv)-ruthenium(ii) chimeric complexes (PtRu 1-4) have been synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor performance. Using the optimal complex, PtRu-1, we show that this water-soluble chimeric prodrug not only potently inhibits the metastasis and proliferation of tumor cells but also has an unexpectedly higher safety margin in animals compared with the traditionally-used, clinically approved drug cisplatin.