Repurposed itraconazole for use in the treatment of malignancies as a promising therapeutic strategy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Developing novel cancer drugs is challenging due to high costs, long timelines, and high failure rates.
• Drug repurposing, using approved drugs for new indications, presents an attractive alternative strategy.
• Itraconazole, an established antifungal agent, has emerged as a candidate for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on itraconazole's anticancer activity.
• To explore the mechanisms by which itraconazole inhibits cancer growth.
• To assess the potential of itraconazole as a repurposed anticancer drug.

Main Methods:

• Literature retrieval and review of preclinical and clinical studies on itraconazole in cancer.
• Analysis of itraconazole's effects on angiogenesis and oncogenic signaling pathways.
• Identification of the hedgehog signaling pathway as a primary target.

Main Results:

• Itraconazole demonstrates anticancer activity by inhibiting angiogenesis.
• Itraconazole targets multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, notably the hedgehog signaling pathway.
• Preclinical and emerging clinical data support itraconazole's efficacy in various cancers.

Conclusions:

• Itraconazole exhibits significant potential as a repurposed anticancer drug.
• Its ability to inhibit angiogenesis and target key cancer pathways makes it a viable therapeutic option.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to establish itraconazole's role in combination cancer therapy.