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Updated: May 29, 2026
07:20
Amide Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Bispyridine-based Ligands and Their Complexation to Platinum as Dinuclear Anticancer Agents
Published on: May 28, 2014
New role for an established drug? Bisphosphonates as potential anticancer agents
H K Koul1, S Koul, R B Meacham
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado at Denver, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. hari.koul@ucdenver.edu
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
|August 31, 2011
Summary
Bisphosphonates (BPs) reduce bone problems in cancer patients. Emerging research shows nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs), like zoledronic acid, may also fight cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and promoting cell death.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Bisphosphonates (BPs) are established treatments for skeletal-related events in advanced cancer.
- They are crucial for maintaining bone health in patients with malignant bone lesions and preventing cancer therapy-induced bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging preclinical and clinical data on the potential anticancer activity of bisphosphonates.
- To explore the mechanisms by which nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) exert anticancer effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on bisphosphonates and cancer.
- Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of N-BPs, including mevalonate pathway inhibition.
Main Results:
- N-BPs, particularly zoledronic acid (ZOL), inhibit osteoclast function.
- N-BPs demonstrate anticancer effects, including inhibition of proliferation, viability, motility, invasion, and angiogenesis.
- N-BPs induce cancer cell apoptosis and exhibit synergistic effects with antineoplastic agents.
Conclusions:
- N-BPs, especially ZOL, show promise as anticancer agents.
- A potential paradigm shift in cancer treatment may emerge, considering N-BPs for their anticancer properties alongside palliative effects.
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