Lanthanides: Schiff base complexes, applications in cancer diagnosis, therapy, and antibacterial activity

Lanthanides are 15 elements commonly referred to as Rare Earth Elements. Among the many materials comprising rare earths coordination compounds play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and therapy, and the materials can also be used as antibacterial agents. Because of the paramagnetic properties exhibited by lanthanides and their complexes these compounds are commonly used in medicine as a contrast media for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Moreover, they play a role in the therapy of neoplastic diseases. Lanthanide(III) ions are successfully used to obtain Schiff base compounds. Interest in Schiff base compounds has grown recently, as a result of research indicating that their antitumor, antibacterial, antivirus and antifungal activity can be significantly improved by coordinating to a metal ion. This review will summarize the role of lanthanides and their compound in cancer diagnosis and therapy, as well as presenting synthesis methods and interesting structures of complexes formed by lanthanide(III) ions.