NCIt definition : 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.;