Probable superoxide therapy of experimental cancer with D-penicillamine

A sublethal dose of D-penicillamine (DP) induced hyperlipoperoxidemia and hypocupremia in old rats. Treatment of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo with DP resulted in appreciable suppression of cell multiplication and a remarkable inhibition of tumor growth. Erythropoiesis did not seem to be affected by DP. The selective effect of DP seems to have resulted from the reduced superoxide dismutase activity and/or defective Mn superoxide dismutase.