Harnessing ruthenium(II) as photodynamic agents: Encouraging advances in cancer therapy

Despite their past triumphs, platinum-based therapeutics remain limited by chemo-resistance and severe side effects. As an alternative therapeutic modality which bypasses these issues, photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great promise. The first FDA approved PDT agent, Photofrin, stimulated an outpouring of porphyrin-motif studies, while metallodrugs have long been underappreciated in this area. Due to their unique and versatile properties, ruthenium complexes are receiving increasing attention in the field of PDT. Herein, we introduce the recent advances in Ru(II)-based PDT agents ranging from single molecules to delicate nanomaterials, how these agents are unique suited to PDT and the merits provided by their various forms.