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Everything Old Is New Again: Drug Repurposing Approach for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeting MAPK Signaling
Anisha S Jain1, Ashwini Prasad1, Sushma Pradeep2
1Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Abstract:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prominent subtype of lung carcinoma that accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths globally, and it is responsible for about 80% to 85% of lung cancers. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are a vital aspect of NSCLC, and have aided in the advancement of therapies for this carcinoma. Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a promising and alternative method in NSCLC treatment, which is highlighted in this review. The introduction of targeted medicines has revolutionized the treatment of patients with this carcinoma. When combined with current systems biology-driven stratagems, repurposing non-cancer drugs into new therapeutic niches presents a cost-effective and efficient technique with enhancing outcomes for discovering novel pharmacological activity. This article highlights the successful cutting-edge techniques while focusing on NSCLC targeted therapies. The ultimate challenge will be integrating these repurposed drugs into the therapeutic regimen of patients affected with NSCLC to potentially increase lung cancer cure rates.
Insights
Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway offers a promising treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Repurposing non-cancer drugs enhances NSCLC therapy outcomes and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85% of lung cancers and is a leading cause of cancer mortality.
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are crucial in NSCLC development and therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway represents a significant advancement in NSCLC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cutting-edge targeted therapies for NSCLC.
- To highlight the potential of repurposing non-cancer drugs for NSCLC treatment.
- To explore the integration of novel therapeutic strategies to improve NSCLC cure rates.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on NSCLC targeted therapies.
- Analysis of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in NSCLC.
- Exploration of systems biology-driven drug repurposing strategies.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies, particularly those inhibiting the MAPK pathway, have revolutionized NSCLC treatment.
- Drug repurposing offers a cost-effective approach to discovering new pharmacological activities for NSCLC.
- Integration of targeted and repurposed drugs shows promise for enhancing patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is a key strategy in NSCLC management.
- Repurposing existing non-cancer drugs presents an efficient avenue for novel NSCLC therapeutics.
- Combining advanced targeted therapies with repurposed drugs may significantly increase lung cancer cure rates.
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