ADMET Profiling of the Metallodrugs: A Comparative Review of Platinum, Palladium, Gold, Ruthenium, Copper, and Zinc Anticancer Complexes.

The successful clinical use of metal-based anticancer agents depends heavily on a detailed understanding of their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology (ADMET) profiles. This review evaluates the ADMET properties of anticancer complexes involving platinum, palladium, gold, ruthenium, copper, and zinc. Unlike traditional organic medicines, the ADMET processes of these compounds are often complex and nonlinear, due to their unique coordination chemistry, ligand-exchange kinetics, and dynamic speciation changes. The review highlights how structural differences in metal analogs influence their pharmacokinetics, systemic disposition, and distinct toxicity profiles. Ultimately, gaining a thorough understanding of these ADMET nuances is vital for designing next-generation metallodrugs with optimized tissue distribution, minimal systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic effectiveness.