Unveiling the anticancer activity of ruthenium and iron complexes

[Display omitted] •Iron complex to be effective ferroptosis-inducing agents..•Iron complexes kill leukaemia cells by inducing necroptosis and ferroptosis.•Effective anticancer and antimicrobial properties of metal based Chemotherapeutics.•Ru complexes inhibiting cancerous growth by selective DNA binding.•Ru arene complexes displayed strong antiproliferative effects against cancerous cells. Transition metal complexes have a great potential as therapeutic agents in the field of oncology. Metals are necessary cellular components that are required for various vital cellular and biochemical functions for living beings. Metallodrugs have a unique mode of action against cancer cells depending on the metal used, oxidation state, types and numbers of corresponding ligands as well as the coordination geometry. Coordination complexes become highly desirable probes as potential anticancer agents and can be used as drugs or prodrugs. The discovery of cisplatin was a turning point that sparked interest in metal coordination complexes as potential anticancer medications. As a result, scientists are focusing on alternative possible metals for anticancer activities including titanium, rhodium, gallium, germanium, iridium, ruthenium, copper, gold, and molybdenum. This review explores the promising ruthenium and iron complexes that are attracting attention in cancer research, with a focus on their potential therapeutic use. Also highlights promising ruthenium and iron complexes with their unique uptake mechanisms and their potential to target specific organelles.