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Therapeutic Effects of Repurposed Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: What Is Old Is New Again
Ashish Saxena1, Daniel Becker2, Isabel Preeshagul2
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA; St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York, USA; Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, New York, New York, USA; Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York, USA saxenaa@mskcc.org.
Abstract:
The recent emergence of targeted and immunotherapeutic agents has dramatically changed the management for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite these advances, lung cancer is not exempt from the challenges facing oncology drug development, including the huge financial cost and the time required for drug implementation. Repositioning noncancer therapies with potential antineoplastic properties into new therapeutic niches is an alternative treatment strategy offering the possibility of saving money and time and improving outcomes. The goal of such a strategy is to deliver an effective drug with a favorable toxicity profile at a reduced cost. Preclinical models and observational data have demonstrated promising activity for many of these agents, and they are now being studied in prospective trials. We review the relevant published data regarding the therapeutic effects of metformin, statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, β-blockers, and itraconazole in NSCLC, with a focus on the putative mechanisms of action and clinical data. As these drugs are increasingly being tested in clinical trials, we aim to highlight the salient challenges and future strategies to optimize this approach.
Insights
Repurposing existing non-cancer drugs like metformin and statins may offer a cost-effective strategy for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These agents show promise in clinical trials, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing drug development costs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Repurposing
Background:
- Targeted and immunotherapies have advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Drug development for NSCLC faces significant financial and time constraints.
- Drug repositioning offers a strategy to reduce costs and development time for effective NSCLC therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic effects of repurposed non-cancer drugs in NSCLC.
- To focus on the mechanisms of action and clinical data for these agents.
- To highlight challenges and future strategies for optimizing drug repositioning in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Review of published preclinical and clinical data.
- Focus on metformin, statins, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and itraconazole.
- Analysis of putative mechanisms and clinical evidence in NSCLC.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models and observational data show promising activity for repurposed agents.
- Metformin, statins, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, and itraconazole are under investigation in NSCLC trials.
- These drugs offer potential for effective treatment with favorable toxicity and reduced cost.
Conclusions:
- Drug repositioning is a viable strategy for NSCLC management.
- Further clinical trials are needed to optimize the use of these repurposed agents.
- Addressing challenges in drug repositioning will enhance future NSCLC treatment approaches.
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