Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022 according to the World Health Organization. The disease is characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, genetic mutations, evasion of apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastatic progression. Over the past seven decades, both organic and inorganic compounds have played a transformative role in cancer therapy. Organic anticancer agents include alkylating agents, antimetabolites, natural product derivatives, targeted small molecules, and monoclonal antibodies. Inorganic compounds, particularly metal-based drugs such as platinum, ruthenium, gold, and titanium complexes, have demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy through mechanisms such as DNA crosslinking, redox modulation, and apoptosis induction. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of organic and inorganic compounds used in cancer treatment. It explores their chemical structures, mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics, resistance mechanisms, clinical efficacy, toxicity profiles, and future therapeutic potential. The integration of nanotechnology, personalized medicine, and metal-organic hybrid complexes is also discussed as a promising direction for next-generation anticancer therapeutics.
Bishnu Shanker Dubey (Thu,) studied this question.