Anticancer Properties of Fenofibrate: A Repurposing Use

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Repurposing

Background:

• Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel and safe therapeutic strategies.
• Fenofibrate, a fibrate drug, is clinically used for dyslipidemia with a favorable safety profile.
• Emerging research suggests fenofibrate possesses anticancer properties through various mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the anticancer activity of fenofibrate.
• To consolidate evidence supporting fenofibrate's potential as an anti-cancer agent.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying fenofibrate's observed antitumor effects.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published studies investigating fenofibrate's effects on cancer.
• Analysis of in vitro data from various human cancer cell lines.
• Evaluation of in vivo data from xenograft mouse models.

Main Results:

• Fenofibrate demonstrated antitumor effects in multiple human cancer cell lines, including breast, liver, glioma, prostate, pancreas, and lung.
• Preclinical studies in xenograft mouse models corroborated fenofibrate's anticancer efficacy.
• Identified pathways involved in fenofibrate's action include apoptosis induction and cell-cycle arrest.

Conclusions:

• Fenofibrate exhibits significant potential as an anticancer agent across a spectrum of cancers.
• Repurposing fenofibrate for cancer treatment warrants further comprehensive investigation.
• Fenofibrate represents a promising candidate for developing safer and effective cancer therapies.