Cuproptosis Inducers in Cancer Therapy: State of the Art and Challenges

Cancer continues to be the primary cause of death despite significant progress in medicine, and finding effective therapies remains a challenge. New treatments are needed to minimize the harmful effects on the body and increase the selectivity of drugs. These therapies must also overcome cancer cell resistance and prevent metastasis. Metal‐based drugs are becoming increasingly crucial for treating tumors, and copper ion‐based systems and nanoparticles have been identified as having unique properties and anticancer potential. Given the key role exerted by Cu in the etiology, severity, and progression of cancer diseases, it could be a vulnerable point to target for hindering cancer development. After thoroughly analyzing what is known about the mechanism of cancer cell death through a Cu‐dependent mechanism, known as cuproptosis, and its potential links with ferroptosis, we report some systems that, when coadministered with copper ions, can trigger this type of cell death. This study investigates the effectiveness of cuproptosis inducers against various types of cancers. Are these cuproptosis inducers effective in combating cancer? What limitations or disadvantages might be associated with their use? This article aims to answer these questions based on the current knowledge in this evolving area of cancer research.