Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO)-mebendazole as an anti-cancer agent

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Oncology
• Drug Repurposing

Background:

• Mebendazole is an established anti-helminthic medication.
• Preclinical studies indicate mebendazole possesses anti-cancer properties across various cancer types.
• Limited human case reports suggest potential anti-cancer activity in patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize existing evidence on mebendazole's anti-cancer effects.
• To explore proposed mechanisms of action for its anti-cancer activity.
• To evaluate the potential of mebendazole as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of preclinical data on mebendazole's anti-cancer effects.
• Analysis of published human case reports detailing mebendazole's clinical activity.
• Discussion of potential synergistic interactions with other anti-cancer drugs.

Main Results:

• Preclinical evidence supports mebendazole's efficacy against diverse cancer types.
• Two human case reports indicate positive clinical outcomes.
• Mechanisms of action are discussed, suggesting pathways for anti-cancer effects.

Conclusions:

• Mebendazole demonstrates significant potential as an anti-cancer drug.
• Synergistic effects with existing chemotherapeutics are proposed.
• Further clinical investigation of mebendazole for cancer treatment is warranted.