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Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation
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Repositioning of Antiparasitic Drugs for Tumor Treatment

Yan-Qi Li1, Zhi Zheng1, Quan-Xing Liu1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.

Frontiers in Oncology
|May 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Repurposing antiparasitic drugs like macrolides, benzimidazoles, artemisinin, and quinolines shows promise for cancer treatment by targeting tumor growth through various mechanisms. Further research is needed for clinical application.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Drug repositioning offers a viable strategy for discovering novel antitumor agents.
  • Similarities between parasitic infections and cancer biology have prompted investigations into antiparasitic drugs for oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current research on the efficacy of selected antiparasitic drugs in cancer treatment.
  • To explore the potential of antihelminthic and antiprotozoal drugs as anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

  • Selection of two antihelminthic drug classes: macrolides and benzimidazoles.
  • Selection of two antiprotozoal drug classes: artemisinin and its derivatives, and quinolines.
  • Summary of existing research on the role of these antiparasitic drugs in cancer.

Main Results:

  • The selected antiparasitic drugs demonstrate the ability to regulate tumor growth via multiple targets, pathways, and mechanisms.
  • These drugs exhibit potential as candidates for in-depth analysis in cancer research.

Conclusions:

  • Antiparasitic drugs represent a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further comprehensive studies are essential to validate their clinical application in tumor treatment and diagnosis.
Keywords:
antiparasitic drugsartemisininautophagybenzimidazolesdrug repositioningferroptosismacrolidesquinolines

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