Research progress of azido-containing Pt(IV) antitumor compounds

Cancer is a long-known incurable disease, and the medical use of cisplatin has been a significant discovery. However, the side-effects of cisplatin necessitate the development of new and improved drug. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the photoactivatable Pt(IV) compounds Pt[(X1)(X2)(Y1)(Y2)(N3)2], which have a completely novel mechanism of action. Pt(IV) can efficiently overcome the side-effects of cisplatin and other drugs. Here, we have demonstrated, summarized and discussed the effects and mechanism of these compounds. Compared to the relevant articles in the literature, we have provided a more detailed introduction and a made comprehensive classification of these compounds. We believe that our results can effectively provide a reference for the development of these drugs. [Display omitted] •New drug development is necessary because of the problems of classic platinum drugs.•Azido-containing platinum(IV) compounds have new mechanisms and excellent cytotoxicity.•The reaction and toxicity information of the new azido-containing platinum(IV) compounds is collected.•Azide-containing platinum (IV) compounds will play an important role in the development of new drugs.