Mechanisms of the reactions of structurally similar platinum(II), palladium(II) and gold(III) complexes: a minireview dedicated to the research of Prof. Dr. Živadin D. Bugarčić.

The pioneer in clarification of the substitution reactions between platinum(II), palladium(II) and gold(III) complexes with biomolecules such as guanosine-5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP), glutathione (GSH) and L-methionine (L-Met) was Professor Dr. Živadin D. Bugarčić and his research group. In this minireview we highlight the important results of his research in the field of studying mechanisms of the substitution reactions of various transition metal complexes with square-planar geometry. Knowledge of the kinetic coordination chemistry of these transition metal ions helps to clarify the mechanism of action of metallodrugs for development of complexes with potent antitumor activity. The results are presented comparatively to aid in the future development of novel antitumor agents with unique mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]