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Repurposing of Anticancer Drugs Expands Possibilities for Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Discovery in COVID-19

Mihaela Aldea1, Jean-Marie Michot2, Francois-Xavier Danlos3,4

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.

Cancer Discovery
|April 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Anticancer drugs show promise for treating COVID-19 by targeting inflammation and immune responses. However, further research is needed to confirm efficacy and identify suitable patient populations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused global health and economic disruption.
  • Repurposing existing drugs, including anticancer agents, emerged as a strategy to combat COVID-19.
  • Similarities in inflammatory and immune responses between COVID-19 and cancer informed drug repurposing efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the benefits and drawbacks of repurposing anticancer drugs for COVID-19 treatment.
  • To explore the potential of specific anticancer drug classes in managing COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on anticancer drug repurposing for COVID-19.
  • Analysis of mechanistic links between cancer pathogenesis and COVID-19.
  • Evaluation of clinical data and proposed therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Anticancer drugs targeting inflammation (JAK/STAT inhibitors, anticytokine therapies) may mitigate cytokine storms.
  • Antiangiogenic drugs could address vascular abnormalities in COVID-19.
  • Immune-checkpoint inhibitors might enhance antiviral defenses.

Conclusions:

  • Repurposing anticancer drugs offers potential therapeutic avenues for COVID-19.
  • Conflicting efficacy data necessitate improved patient selection and biomarker research.
  • Targeting specific pathways like inflammation and immune response holds promise for COVID-19 management.

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