Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide

Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide - a nutritional supplement and vitamin b1 derivative, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon oral administration, fursultiamine inhibits the expressions of octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (oct-4), sry (sex determining region y)-box 2 (sox-2), and nanog homeobox (nanog) in cancer stem cells (cscs). This may inhibit the proliferation of cscs thereby preventing tumor cell growth. In addition, fursultiamine inhibits the expression of atp-binding cassette (abc) transporters subfamily b member 1 (abcb1) and subfamily g member 2 (abcg2) in cancer cscs, which may abrogate resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy in cscs. Cscs promote tumor initiation, progression and metastasis; they play a key role in cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation.