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Disulfiram's Anticancer Activity: Evidence and Mechanisms
Yang Jiao, Bethany N Hannafon, Wei-Qun Ding1
1University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th Street, BRC 411A, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Disulfiram (DSF), an alcoholism drug, shows significant anticancer potential by targeting cancer stem cells and proteasome activity. Its established safety profile makes it a promising candidate for repurposing as a novel cancer therapeutic.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Repurposing
Background:
- Disulfiram (DSF) is a long-established alcoholism treatment.
- Emerging evidence highlights DSF's potential as an anticancer agent.
- DSF has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models and human clinical trials for various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and anticancer activities of Disulfiram (DSF).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DSF's anticancer effects.
- To explore the potential of repurposing DSF as a new cancer therapeutic.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DSF's use in alcoholism and cancer.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating DSF's anticancer activity.
- Examination of clinical trial data for DSF in cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- DSF exhibits anticancer properties by suppressing cancer stem cells (CSCs) via aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) targeting.
- DSF inhibits proteasome activity, modulates epigenetic mechanisms, and affects cellular signaling pathways.
- DSF induces apoptosis, inhibits proliferation, and suppresses metastasis in cancer cells, also sensitizing them to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Disulfiram (DSF) possesses multifaceted anticancer mechanisms.
- Its well-established pharmacokinetics and safety profile support its repurposing.
- DSF represents a promising "old" drug for rapid development into a new cancer therapy.
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