copper gluconate

Copper gluconate is an organic copper salt formed by combining gluconic acid with copper. It is a light blue to blue-green crystalline powder, soluble in water. While commonly used as a dietary supplement to treat copper deficiency and support various bodily functions like blood cell formation, bone health, and neurological processes, it is also being investigated for its role in cancer therapy. In the context of glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, copper gluconate provides copper ions that, when combined with disulfiram (DSF), form a chelation product (CuET). This CuET complex is believed to synergistically induce DNA damage and apoptosis, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of tumor cells to temozolomide (TMZ) and contributing to an antitumor immune response. It has been studied in combination with disulfiram, radiation therapy, and temozolomide for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma.

Other names

Copper(II) gluconate