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Drug Repositioning in Oncology
Marissa B Serafin1, Angelita Bottega1, Taciéli F da Rosa1
1Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Programa de Pós-graduacão Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; and.
Background:
The worldwide increase in the occurrence of cancer associated with the limitations of immunotherapy and the emergence of resistance have impaired the prognosis of cancer patients, which leads to the search for alternative treatment methods. Drug repositioning, a well-established process approved by regulatory agencies, is considered an alternative strategy for the fast identification of drugs, because it is relatively less costly and represents lower risks for patients.
Areas Of Uncertainty:
We report the most relevant studies about drug repositioning in oncology, emphasizing that its implementation faces financial and regulatory obstacles, making the creation of incentives necessary to stimulate the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry.
Data Sources:
We present 63 studies in which 52 non-anticancer drugs with anticancer activity against a number of malignancies are described.
Therapeutic Innovations:
Some have already been the target of phase III studies, such as the Add-Aspirin trial for nonmetastatic solid tumors, as well as 9 other drugs (aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, ritonavir, and sertraline) in the CUSP9* clinical trial for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Others have already been successful in repositioning such as thalidomide, zoledronic acid, celecoxib, methotrexate, and gemcitabine.
Conclusions:
Therefore, drug repositioning represents a promising alternative for the treatment of oncological disorders; however, the support from funding agencies and from the government is still needed, the latter regarding regulatory issues.
Insights
Drug repositioning offers a promising, cost-effective alternative for cancer treatment. Overcoming financial and regulatory hurdles is crucial for its broader adoption in oncology drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Drug Discovery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence and treatment resistance necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Immunotherapy limitations drive the search for alternative cancer treatments.
- Drug repositioning provides a cost-effective and lower-risk approach to identifying new cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review relevant studies on drug repositioning in oncology.
- To highlight the potential and challenges of implementing drug repositioning strategies.
- To emphasize the need for financial and regulatory incentives to foster industry involvement.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 63 studies on drug repositioning in cancer.
- Identification of 52 non-anticancer drugs exhibiting anticancer activity.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and successful repositioning cases.
Main Results:
- 52 non-anticancer drugs demonstrated efficacy against various malignancies.
- Several drugs are in late-stage clinical trials (e.g., Add-Aspirin, CUSP9*).
- Established repositioned drugs include thalidomide, zoledronic acid, and methotrexate.
Conclusions:
- Drug repositioning is a viable and promising alternative for oncological disorders.
- Financial and governmental support, particularly for regulatory aspects, is essential.
- Incentives are needed to encourage pharmaceutical industry participation in drug repositioning initiatives.
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