Recent developments in anticancer nitric oxide donors

Nitric oxide (NO), a 'magic' free radical gas molecule, has been shown to be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Previously, together with its diverse functions, NO has been implicated in the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, inhibition of platelet aggregation, neurotransmission and immune regulation. Although the Janus-faced actions of NO are still not entirely known, the anticancer activity of NO has received worldwide recognition. Today, O-2-aryl diazeniumdiolate (i.e., JS-K) and NO non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NO-NSAIDs; i.e., NO-aspirin) are promising antitumoural agents. The selective delivery of NO to cancers by NO donors has already shown great potential in anticancer therapy. This article focuses on the recent progress on anticancer NO donors that have been claimed in papers and patents from 2002 to present.