Molecular building blocks and nutrients as a novel cancer treatment

Abstract

In this invention, a novel cancer drug is formed by Cu(II) and Fe(III) binding the medicinal molecule Paclitaxel (PAC). This complexation increases the water solubility of the taxane, alters the structure so resistance mechanisms do not recognize it, and adds additional toxicity. The copper (II) species can generate reactive oxidation species (ROS) and randomly bind and distort proteins within a cancer cell. Cu(II) also plays a role in accelerating angiogenesis and creates a Trojan horse effect that increases its uptake rate by the cancer cells. The empirical formula for the complex is Cu_xFe_yPAC₁, where X + Y equals a value between 0 and 10.