Phosphorescent metal complexes are a new kind of multifunctional antitumor compounds that can integrate imaging and antitumor functions in a single molecule. In this minireview, we summarize the recent research progress in this field, concentrating on the theranostic applications of phosphorescent iridium(III), ruthenium(II) and rhenium(I) complexes. The molecular design that affords these complexes with tumour- or subcellular organelle-targeting properties is elucidated. The potential of these complexes to induce and monitor the dynamic behavior of subcellular organelles and the changes in microenvironment during the process of therapy is demonstrated. Moreover, the potential and advantages of applying new technologies, such as super-resolution imaging and phosphorescence lifetime imaging, are also described. Finally, the challenges faced in the development of novel theranostic metallo-anticancer complexes for possible clinical translation are proposed.

中文翻译：

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磷光金属配合物作为治疗性抗癌药：将成像和治疗结合在一个分子中

磷光金属配合物是一种新型的多功能抗肿瘤化合物，可以将成像和抗肿瘤功能整合到一个分子中。在这个minireview，我们总结了在这一领域的最新研究进展，主要集中在磷光铱的治疗诊断应用程序（III），钌（II）和铼（我）复合体。阐明了提供具有肿瘤或亚细胞细胞器靶向特性的这些复合物的分子设计。这些复合物在治疗过程中诱导和监测亚细胞细胞器动态行为以及微环境变化的潜力得到了证明。此外，还描述了应用新技术（例如超分辨率成像和磷光寿命成像）的潜力和优势。最后，提出了在开发新的肿瘤治疗金属抗癌复合物以进行可能的临床翻译中所面临的挑战。