IN VIVO EVALUATION OF CO (II) COMPLEXES OF Β DIKETONATE DERIVATIVES AS POTENTIAL ANTITUMOR AGENT AGAINST BENZO[A]PYRENE INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL LUNG CARCINOGENESIS

Abstract

The in vivo antitumor efficacy of the Co(II) β-diketonate complex Co(dpq)₂(acac)₂ [C2] was evaluated against benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis in female Swiss albino mice. Antitumor activity was assessed by histopathlogical, hematological parameters, serum biochemical markers and survival. C2 treatment significantly reduced tumor burden, enhanced tumor growth inhibition, and prolonged survival compared with the disease control group. Its therapeutic effects were comparable to or better than cisplatin, demonstrating promising antineoplastic activity with a favorable therapeutic profile.