E/Z-FETPY is an organic diiron (I) complex with significant cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines, capable of inducing ferroptosis in poorly differentiated cell lines, such as A2780 cells.

E/Z-FETPY demonstrates cytotoxic potential by inhibiting the growth of HCT 116, MCF7, and A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 4 μM, 2.1 μM, and 2.5 μM, respectively. At a concentration of 2.5 μM over 24-48 hours, E/Z-FETPY increases iron uptake in A2780 cells over time. It inhibits hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (O═NOO-), while enhancing the production of superoxide anions (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, FETPY at 5 μM induces significant morphological changes in murine B16-F1 and B16-F10 melanoma cells, leading to senescence and/or transdifferentiation into Schwann-like cells, thereby significantly diminishing their tumorigenic potential.

Administered at 4 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection once daily for three weeks, FETPY significantly reduces growth rates and tumor volume in both models.