In Vitro Apoptosis Induction by Fenofibrate in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

Leonard Christopher Schmeel1,2, Frederic Carsten Schmeel1,2, Ingo G H Schmidt-Wolf3

  • 1Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Anticancer Research
|July 3, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fenofibrate, a cholesterol-lowering drug, effectively induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma and lymphoma cells. This suggests fenofibrate

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenge with frequent relapses despite advanced therapies.
  • Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in MM and lymphoma, presenting therapeutic targets.
  • Fenofibrate, a PPARα agonist, exhibits anticancer properties and influences WNT signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumor effects of fenofibrate on multiple myeloma and lymphoma cell lines.
  • To evaluate fenofibrate's impact on cancer cell viability and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Tested fenofibrate (0.1-200 μM) on seven human and two murine myeloma/lymphoma cell lines.
  • Utilized DiOC6 and propidium iodide staining with flow cytometry to assess apoptosis.
  • Compared fenofibrate's effects on cancer cells versus two healthy control cell lines.

Main Results:

  • Fenofibrate significantly reduced cancer cell viability across all tested myeloma and lymphoma lines.
  • Apoptosis was induced in a dose-dependent manner by fenofibrate.
  • Healthy control cells demonstrated lower sensitivity to fenofibrate compared to cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • Fenofibrate demonstrates significant anti-myeloma and anti-lymphoma activity.
  • Fenofibrate shows potential as a safe and well-tolerated therapeutic agent for MM and lymphoma.
  • Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to explore fenofibrate's clinical utility.