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Published on: November 30, 2016
Towards Drug Repurposing in Cancer Cachexia: Potential Targets and Candidates
Joana M O Santos1,2, Alexandra C Costa1,2, Tânia R Dias1,2,3
1Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
As a multifactorial and multiorgan syndrome, cancer cachexia is associated with decreased tolerance to antitumor treatments and increased morbidity and mortality rates. The current approaches for the treatment of this syndrome are not always effective and well established. Drug repurposing or repositioning consists of the investigation of pharmacological components that are already available or in clinical trials for certain diseases and explores if they can be used for new indications. Its advantages comparing to de novo drugs development are the reduced amount of time spent and costs. In this paper, we selected drugs already available or in clinical trials for non-cachexia indications and that are related to the pathways and molecular components involved in the different phenotypes of cancer cachexia syndrome. Thus, we introduce known drugs as possible candidates for drug repurposing in the treatment of cancer-induced cachexia.
Insights
Drug repurposing offers a cost-effective strategy to find new cancer cachexia treatments. This study identifies existing drugs that could be repurposed to combat cancer cachexia, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome impacting cancer patient treatment tolerance, morbidity, and mortality.
- Current treatments for cancer cachexia lack consistent efficacy and established protocols.
- Drug repurposing presents a viable alternative to de novo drug development, reducing time and cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify existing drugs with potential for repurposing in treating cancer cachexia.
- To explore pharmacological agents targeting molecular pathways implicated in cancer cachexia phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of drugs currently available or in clinical trials for non-cachexia indications.
- Identification of drugs associated with molecular pathways and components relevant to cancer cachexia.
Main Results:
- A selection of existing drugs were identified as potential candidates for cancer cachexia treatment.
- These candidates are linked to key pathways involved in the diverse manifestations of cancer cachexia syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Drug repurposing is a promising avenue for developing novel cancer cachexia therapies.
- The identified drugs represent potential new treatment options for patients suffering from cancer-induced cachexia.
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