Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Human malignancies pose a significant global health challenge, with rising incidence.
• Developing novel anti-cancer drugs is costly and time-consuming, leading to a decline in FDA-approved treatments.
• Drug repurposing (or repositioning) is gaining traction as an alternative strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for repurposing non-cancerous drugs against human malignancies.
• To highlight the potential of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antipsychotics, PDE inhibitors, estrogen receptor antagonists, Antabuse, antiparasitics, and cardiovascular agents in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of drug repurposing strategies for various drug classes.
• Examination of molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways targeted by repurposed drugs.

Main Results:

• Several repurposed drugs have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in preclinical and clinical settings.
• These drugs modulate key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways involved in human malignancies.
• Repurposing offers affordable therapeutic options, addressing cost barriers in cancer care.

Conclusions:

• Drug repurposing is a crucial, cost-effective strategy for accelerating the discovery of new anti-cancerous drugs.
• This approach can provide accessible treatment options for cancer patients globally.
• Further research into repurposing approved non-cancer drugs holds immense therapeutic potential.