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Emerging insights on functions of the anthelmintic flubendazole as a repurposed anticancer agent
1Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
While flubendazole has been used as a macrofilaricide in humans and animals for some 40 years, work in vitro and in preclinical models over the last decade has suggested its potential use as an anticancer agent. This article reviews recent studies in a range of tumor types indicating novel functions for flubendazole in its control of processes associated with tumor growth, spread and renewal including ferroptosis, autophagy, cancer stem-like cell killing and suppression of intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cell accumulation and programmed cell death protein 1. Flubendazole's potential use in clinical oncology will require further understanding of its mechanistic roles, range of inhibition of cancer types, capacity for adjunctive therapy and possible reformulation for enhanced solubility, bioavailability and potency.
Insights
Flubendazole, an established antiparasitic drug, shows promise as an anticancer agent. Recent research highlights its potential to inhibit tumor growth, spread, and renewal through novel mechanisms, including ferroptosis and autophagy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Flubendazole has a 40-year history as a macrofilaricide in human and veterinary medicine.
- Recent research suggests flubendazole possesses anticancer properties, demonstrated in vitro and in preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on flubendazole's potential anticancer applications.
- To explore novel mechanisms by which flubendazole may control tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and preclinical studies on flubendazole's effects on various tumor types.
- Analysis of flubendazole's impact on cancer-associated processes such as ferroptosis, autophagy, and cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Flubendazole demonstrates novel functions in controlling tumor growth, spread, and renewal.
- Identified mechanisms include induction of ferroptosis, modulation of autophagy, killing of cancer stem-like cells, and suppression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
- Flubendazole also impacts programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathways.
Conclusions:
- Flubendazole exhibits significant potential for clinical oncology applications.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms, spectrum of activity, and therapeutic potential as an adjunctive therapy.
- Reformulation may be necessary to enhance solubility, bioavailability, and potency for optimal clinical use.
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