Potential Medical Use of Fullerenols After Two Decades of Oncology Research

Abstract

Fullerenes are carbon molecules that are found in nature in various forms. They are composed of hexagonal and pentagonal rings that create closed structures. Almost 4 decades ago, fullerenes were identified in the form of C₆₀ and C₇₀, and following the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this discovery in 1996, many laboratories started working on their water-soluble derivatives that could be used in different industries, including pharmaceutical industries. One of the first fullerene forms that was the focus of different research groups was fullerenol, C₆₀(OH)_n (n = 2-44). Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that polyhydroxylate fullerene derivatives can potentially be used as either antioxidative agents or cytostatics (depending on their co-administration, forms, and concentration/dose) in biological systems. The current review aimed to present a critical view of the potential applications and limitations of fullerenols in oncology, as understood from the past 2 decades of research.

Keywords: cytostatic; fullerenol; oncology; organ protection; oxidative stress; toxicity.

Figure 1.

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the abdominal cavity of rats treated with FRL. (a) Black and brown particles of FRL are seen in the abdomen, particularly on the surface of the liver and the mesenteric fat surrounding the liver. (b) Foreign body granuloma covered with thick peritoneum contains inflammation cells and fibroblasts (black arrow). Granulomatous tissue is predominantly composed of FRL composites in crystal form (F) and macrophages filled with FRL; H&E, magnification 100 ×. (c) A large number of macrophages with numerous brown granules of FRL in the cytoplasm; H&E, magnification 400 (with permission).