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Combining repurposed drugs to treat colorectal cancer

Diana Duarte1, Nuno Vale2

  • 1OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.

Drug Discovery Today
|September 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Drug repurposing and combination therapies offer cost-effective alternatives for developing new cancer treatments. This review explores these strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC), highlighting their potential to improve efficacy and overcome resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • The development of new antineoplastic agents is expensive and often ineffective.
  • Drug repurposing and combination therapies present low-cost, rapid alternatives to traditional drug development.
  • These strategies can enhance treatment efficacy, reduce toxicity, and overcome drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review pharmacological concepts of drug repurposing for colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To explore the application of drug combinations, particularly repurposed drugs, in CRC treatment.
  • To bridge the gap between drug repurposing concepts and clinical application in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pharmacological concepts.
  • Analysis of existing strategies for drug repurposing and combination therapy.
  • Focus on applications relevant to colorectal cancer (CRC).

Main Results:

  • Drug repurposing and combinations are viable, cost-effective approaches.
  • These strategies show promise for improving outcomes in cancer therapy.
  • The combination of repurposed drugs for CRC is an under-explored but promising area.

Conclusions:

  • Drug repurposing and combination therapies are essential strategies for advancing CRC treatment.
  • Further research into repurposed drug combinations is crucial for clinical development.
  • These approaches hold significant potential for more effective and safer colorectal cancer therapies.
Keywords:
ChemotherapyColon cancerDrug combinationDrug repurposing

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