Mixed-ligand oxidovanadium complexes with anticancer potential

Vanadium, a metal essential for biological processes, is well known in anticancer research due to its strong ability to combat tumours. Their coordination flexibility with a wide range of oxidation states and different bioactive ligands offer structural versatility, making it a prominent focus in current medicinal chemistry. Many reviews discuss vanadium complexes (VCs) and their potential as anticancer agents, but none focus specifically on mixed-ligand oxidovanadium complexes (MLOVCs) as potential metallodrugs or their role in anticancer research. This review summarises recent advancements in synthesising MLOVCs with various ligands and their corresponding oxidation states under diverse reaction conditions. It organises the studied complexes based on the type of ligands they contain and their oxidation levels, highlighting how using biologically relevant ligand/co-ligands helps improve their stability, solubility, ability to enter cells, and their potential as an anticancer agent. The analysis aims to guide researchers in creating more effective and selective vanadium-based anticancer metallodrugs, advancing the fight against cancer.