gemcitabine + disulfiram + copper gluconate

Gemcitabine + disulfiram + copper gluconate is an investigational combination therapy being explored primarily for cancer treatment. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis by incorporation into DNA and subsequent chain termination, leading to apoptosis of malignant cells. Disulfiram, traditionally used as an anti-alcoholism drug, forms a complex with copper ions (from copper gluconate) *in vivo* to generate a potent anticancer agent known as CuET (copper diethyldithiocarbamate). This complex inhibits the ubiquitin-proteasome system and NF-κB signaling pathway, induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and promotes protein S-glutathionylation—mechanisms associated with tumor cell death and reversal of chemoresistance. The combination has shown synergistic effects in preclinical studies by enhancing the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine against resistant cancer cell lines through inhibition of NF-κB activity and proteasome function[2][5][1]. Clinical trials have evaluated this regimen in patients with solid tumors involving the liver[1] and as an add-on to standard chemotherapy regimens[3].

Other names

gemcitabinedisulfiramcopper gluconate