Disulfiram/Copper induces antitumor activity against gastric cancer via the ROS/MAPK and NPL4 pathways

Disulfiram (DSF) is an anti-alcoholism medication with superior antitumor activity and clinical safety; its antitumor mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) have not been fully explored. In the present work, low nontoxic concentrations of copper (Cu) ions substantially enhanced DSF's antitumor activity, inhibiting the proliferation and growth of GC cell lines. DSF/Cu elevated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis was induced in an ROS-dependent manner. This process might involve primary inhibition GC by DSF/Cu through induction of apoptosis via the ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Disordering transportation of ubiquitinated protein may also fuel the process. In summary, we found that DSF exerts antitumor effects on GC. DSF/Cu should be considered as adjunctive therapy for GC.