Sulfasalazine †Rx

Repurposed Rx: xCT/GSH ↓ → ferroptosis ↑; moderate signals in glioma/TNBC/ovarian/colorectal.

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👥⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — Strong preclinical ferroptosis data; phase I/II signals in glioma/TNBC; larger RCTs needed.SSZAzulfidineSalazopyrin

Forms: Oral tablets (500 mg enteric-coated) · Delayed-release granules

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Sulfasalazine †Rx treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Key Takeaway

Repurposed anti-inflammatory that blocks cystine uptake (xCT inhibition) to deplete GSH and induce ferroptosis in GSH-addicted tumors; promising preclinical selectivity with emerging clinical exploration in glioma and TNBC.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 2 · animalGliomaTNBCOvarianColorectal

Preclinical xCT/ferroptosis robust; phase I/II glioma (NCT01577966) SD rates 40%; TNBC biomarkers; ongoing in ovarian/CRC; repurposing reviews highlight selectivity.

How it may work

Sulfasalazine inhibits the xCT (SLC7A11) subunit of system xc-, blocking cystine import and depleting intracellular glutathione (GSH), which impairs GPX4-mediated lipid peroxidation defense and triggers ferroptotic cell death. This selectively stresses tumors reliant on high cystine uptake for redox buffering, while sparing normal cells with lower dependency. Preclinical models show synergy with ferroptosis inducers (e.g., erastin) and chemotherapies; early human data in glioblastoma and triple-negative breast cancer suggest biomarker modulation and modest efficacy signals.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

xCT↓Cystine/glutamate antiporter inhibition
Ferroptosis↑Lipid peroxidation induction
Glutathione↓Depletion via cystine blockade
Apoptosis↑Downstream of redox collapse
NF-κB↓Anti-inflammatory off-target

xCTFerroptosisGlutathione

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Cisplatin: Ferroptosis amplification in ovarian models.
Curcumin: GSH depletion synergy in colorectal.
Resveratrol: Lipid peroxidation boost in breast cancer.
Quercetin: xCT co-inhibition in lung models.

Overlapping mechanisms

Ferroptosis: Overlaps erastin/RSL3; lipid ROS ceiling.
GSH ↓: Redundant with BSO; monitor redox.

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories

HypersensitivityGi UpsetFolate Deficiency

Potential interactions

sulfa_allergy_drugsContraindicateHighTheoreticalCross-reactivity risk.
folate_antagonistsMonitorModerateTheoreticalMethotrexate; add folate.
CisplatinSynergizeLowTheoreticalFerroptosis enhancement in ovarian.

Timing

With-meal: Reduces GI upset.
QID: Divided for steady levels.

References

Research

No published studies for Sulfasalazine †Rx yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Sulfasalazine †Rx depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 1000–4000 mg/day (po) divided QID; with food, IBD standard 2-4 g/day; oncology repurposing 1-2 g/day in trials; folate 1 mg/day co-supplement..

Trials studying Sulfasalazine †Rx

No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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