The combination of disulfiram and copper for cancer treatment.

Abstract

Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiuram derivative that was developed to treat alcoholism but was also found to have antitumor activity. Copper (Cu), as a trace metal, has important roles in the body. Numerous studies have shown that the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu) greatly enhances its antitumor efficacy. Given that the efficacy of DSF is well established and its safety profile is understood, repurposing DSF as a new anticancer drug is a promising strategy. Here, we summarize the pharmacological effects of DSF and the role of Cu in cancer, and focus on the antitumor effect of DSF/Cu, especially the mechanisms involved in enhancing drug sensibility by targeting specific molecules. We also provide rational strategies for using DSF as a cancer therapy.

• Authors: Hong Li, Jingyu Wang, Chunfu Wu, Lihui Wang, Zhe-Sheng Chen, Wei Cui
• Journal: Drug discovery today (Drug Discov Today) Vol. 25 Issue 6 Pg. 1099-1108 (06 2020) ISSN: 1878-5832 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 32320854 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Copper
• Disulfiram

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Copper (pharmacology)
• Disulfiram (pharmacology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination (methods)
• Humans
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)