Comparative evaluation of anticancer efficacy and toxicity of copper (II) complexes CO-1 and CO-2 in a xenograft model of breast cancer

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of two copper (II) complexes, CO-1 and CO-2, using a xenograft model in athymic nude mice (Swiss nu-nu/Ncr) implanted with human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231-Luc). Copper-based compounds have shown promise in targeting breast cancer cells, and this study explores their efficacy and potential toxicity. Twenty-five mice were injected with 1x105 MDA-MB-231-Luc cells subcutaneously in mammary fat tissue. Mice were divided into five groups and administered either 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg doses of CO-1 or CO-2 intraperitoneally over 12 sessions. Tumor volume and body weight were monitored, and bioluminescence imaging was used to assess tumor progression and metastasis. The results indicated a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. CO-1 at 4 mg/kg achieved the highest tumor growth inhibition (69.48%), while CO-2 at the same dose showed 45.99% inhibition. However, CO-2 caused greater toxicity, resulting in significant body weight loss (18.34%), while CO-1 had minimal toxicity (5.44% weight loss). Bioluminescence imaging confirmed tumor regression in CO-1-treated groups and detected metastases in the control group. CO-1 demonstrated potent anticancer activity with manageable toxicity, making it a promising candidate for further investigation. In contrast, CO-2, while effective, exhibited higher toxicity, limiting its therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that CO-1 may offer a viable treatment option for breast cancer with reduced side effects.