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.
Safety and precautions
Interactions with cancer treatment
A small trial found that combining TM with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (IFL) treatment did not increase toxicity or interfere with treatment.1Gartner EM, Griffith KA et al. A pilot trial of the anti-angiogenic copper lowering agent tetrathiomolybdate in combination with irinotecan, 5-flurouracil, and leucovorin for metastatic colorectal cancer. Investigational New Drugs. 2009 Apr;27(2):159-65.
Side effects
Women with stage 2-4 triple negative breast cancer using tetrathiomolybdate (TM) to deplete copper depletion experienced low toxicity and no serious side effects in small uncontrolled trials.2Jain S, Cohen J et al. Tetrathiomolybdate-associated copper depletion decreases circulating endothelial progenitor cells in women with breast cancer at high risk of relapse. Annals of Oncology. 2013 Jul;24(6):1491–1498; Nackos E, Kornhauser N et al. Altering the tumor microenvironment: a phase II study of copper depletion using tetrathiomolybdate (TM) in patients (pts) with breast cancer (BC) at high risk for recurrence. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2015 May 20;33(15_suppl):11008-11008; Chan N, Willis A et al. Influencing the tumor microenvironment: a phase II study of copper depletion using tetrathiomolybdate in patients with breast cancer at high risk for recurrence and in preclinical models of lung metastases. Clinical Cancer Research. 2017 Feb 1;23(3):666-676. However, chelating drugs carry a risk of side effects and should be taken only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional who will monitor your use. Reported side effects include these:
Blood-related
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Low neutrophil count (neutropenia), sometimes accompanied by fever
- Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
- Low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Gastrointestinal
- Sulfur burps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Neurologic
- Dizziness
- Neuropathy
Other
- Fatigue
References