Several Cu-chelating drugs have recently identified with selective toxicity towards melanoma, for example the new drug Elesclomol which is in Phase 3 clinical trial by Synta Pharmaceuticals. We have previously described the Cu-dependent anti-melanoma activity of disulfiram (DSF), a dithiocarbamate disulfide, with in vitro LD50 ~ 50-125 nM.  An FDA approved drug, DSF has been used for 50 years in the treatment of alcohol abuse under the trade name Antabuse. Another thione chelate, thiomaltol (Htma), also shows very rapid anti-melanoma toxicity, which has allowed us to investigate its mechanism of action. With collaborators, we are investigating the use of both DSF and Htma in combination treatments with agents that diminish the cancer cells ability to survive the mitochondrial stress.

Cu-based drugs in combination therapy for melanoma

245th National Meeting (2013)

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