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The application of antidepressant drugs in cancer treatment

Yunxi Zheng1, Xu Chang2, Yuyang Huang2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China; Medical Collage of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|November 19, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Antidepressants show anti-cancer effects by influencing tumor cell metabolism and pathways, but can also increase cancer risk. Further research is needed to understand their dual role in cancer treatment and prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Antidepressants are psychotropic drugs for depression.
  • Emerging evidence suggests antidepressants possess anti-carcinogenic properties.
  • Their mechanisms involve complex signaling pathways and microenvironmental changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impacts and mechanisms of 10 antidepressants on cancer.
  • To explore their potential in combination cancer therapy.
  • To address the dual role of antidepressants in cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of accumulated studies on antidepressants and cancer.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including apoptosis, proliferation, oxidative stress, and drug resistance.
  • Examination of effects on tumor cell metabolism and immune response.

Main Results:

  • Antidepressants exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects via apoptosis, antiproliferative actions, and oxidative stress.
  • They inhibit multidrug resistance and influence tumor cell metabolism.
  • Some antidepressants show synergistic effects when combined with anti-cancer drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Antidepressants have demonstrated significant anti-cancer potential through various mechanisms.
  • Their role in cancer prevention and treatment warrants further investigation.
  • Understanding these mechanisms may offer novel strategies for cancer therapy.
Keywords:
AntidepressantsCancer cells metabolismCancer treatmentCarcinostasisMolecular mechanisms

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