What does this research mean for the field?

While disulfiram demonstrates robust preclinical anticancer activity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress induction and proteasome inhibition, its clinical translation is severely limited by rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, and insufficient free copper, necessitating advanced nanocarrier delivery systems. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To outline the molecular mechanisms behind disulfiram's anticancer efficacy and examine the pharmacologic challenges impeding its clinical translation.

August 29, 2026International Journal of Molecular SciencesOpen Access

Repurposing Disulfiram for Cancer Therapy: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Challenges

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Authors

ABAnna Bilska‐Wilkosz MGMagdalena Górny MIMałgorzata Iciek

Discussion

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Overview

Review uncovers anticancer mechanisms and translational obstacles of disulfiram across preclinical models, highlighting the necessity of nanocarriers to improve delivery and bioavailability.

Key Points

To outline the molecular mechanisms behind disulfiram's anticancer efficacy and examine the pharmacologic challenges impeding its clinical translation.
Reviewed preclinical evidence regarding the bioactivation of disulfiram into diethyldithiocarbamate and its copper complex, Cu(DDC)2.
Assessed pharmacological and physiological barriers to clinical efficacy, including bioavailability, metabolism, copper availability, and drug delivery systems.
Disulfiram coupled with copper induces cytotoxicity by driving oxidative stress, blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system, inhibiting hydrogen sulfide synthesis, and altering thiol metabolism to trigger apoptosis.
Clinical utility is substantially restricted by rapid systemic metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, scarce physiological free copper, and an absence of predictive response biomarkers.

Cite This Study

Bilska‐Wilkosz et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a92997e8e5d7d1fc0c117fd https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177667

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August 29, 2026International Journal of Molecular SciencesOpen Access

Repurposing Disulfiram for Cancer Therapy: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Challenges

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

ABAnna Bilska‐Wilkosz MGMagdalena Górny MIMałgorzata Iciek

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Review uncovers anticancer mechanisms and translational obstacles of disulfiram across preclinical models, highlighting the necessity of nanocarriers to improve delivery and bioavailability.

Key Points

To outline the molecular mechanisms behind disulfiram's anticancer efficacy and examine the pharmacologic challenges impeding its clinical translation.
Reviewed preclinical evidence regarding the bioactivation of disulfiram into diethyldithiocarbamate and its copper complex, Cu(DDC)2.
Assessed pharmacological and physiological barriers to clinical efficacy, including bioavailability, metabolism, copper availability, and drug delivery systems.
Disulfiram coupled with copper induces cytotoxicity by driving oxidative stress, blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system, inhibiting hydrogen sulfide synthesis, and altering thiol metabolism to trigger apoptosis.
Clinical utility is substantially restricted by rapid systemic metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, scarce physiological free copper, and an absence of predictive response biomarkers.

Cite This Study

Bilska‐Wilkosz et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a92997e8e5d7d1fc0c117fd https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177667

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark