Copper promotes the formation of blood vessels, including those that supply tumors. Depleting copper can deprive the tumor of a blood supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Affordability and access
Prescription required?
- Yes for chelating agents
- Some foods contain natural copper chelators, such as dietary flavonoids,1Dai F, Yan WJ, Du YT, Bao XZ, Li XZ, Zhou B. Structural basis, chemical driving forces and biological implications of flavones as Cu(II) ionophores. Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 2017 Jul;108:554-563. although the amount of chelation from diet alone may not produce the effects seen in studies of chelating agents. Learn more about flavonoids from Web MD: Top Foods High in Flavonoids ›
Other names
Copper chelation is also known as copper depletion. Several chelating agents work to reduce copper levels:2Lawson MK, Valko M et al. Chelators in iron and copper toxicity. Current Pharmacology Reports. 2016;2:271–280.
- Tetrathiomolybdate (TM)
- D-penicillamine (DPA or D-PEN)
- Tetraethylenetetraamine (TETA or trientine)
- Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)
- 8-Hydroxyquinolines chelate copper and other metals.
Some chelators have been taken off the market due to side effects.3Lawson MK, Valko M et al. Chelators in iron and copper toxicity. Current Pharmacology Reports. 2016;2:271–280.
Where to access
TM requires a prescription and must be prepared by a compounding pharmacy. In compounding, ingredients are mixed together in the exact strength and dosage form required by the patient. TM has a short shelf life, so it is provided in one- to two-month supplies.4Mark Bricca, ND, MAc. Email communication: Info. on TM / copper chelation for cancer recurrence prevention. June 29, 2021.
After being removed for nearly 4 years from the compounding pharmacy formulary by the FDA, TM is now available again for cancer use in the US. The compounding pharmacy used for preparing TM for the clinical trials, the US-based Prescription Center ›, is currently compounding TM for use in cancer. Some naturopathic and other integrative oncologists are also able to get their patients access from pharmacies outside the US. It may also be available by participating in a clinical trial ›.
Affordability
- Moderately expensive (between $2000 and $5,000 US/year), usually less than $3000/year
- Cost depends on dose used, and it is typically in the neighborhood of $400/month. The first month of treatment requires higher doses.
- TM is not covered by insurance. Both copper and ceruloplasmin testing is necessary while you are on TM, and testing zinc levels is also recommended. Testing may not be covered by insurance plans.5Mark Bricca, ND, MAc. Email communication: Info. on TM / copper chelation for cancer recurrence prevention. June 29, 2021.
References