Repurposing of Chronically Used Drugs in Cancer Therapy: A Chance to Grasp
Mohamad Ali Hijazi1, André Gessner2, Nahed El-Najjar2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Despite the advancement in drug discovery for cancer therapy, drug repurposing remains an exceptional opportunistic strategy. This approach offers many advantages (faster, safer, and cheaper drugs) typically needed to overcome increased challenges, i.e., side effects, resistance, and costs associated with cancer therapy. However, not all drug classes suit a patient's condition or long-time use. For that, repurposing chronically used medications is more appealing. This review highlights the importance of repurposing anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs in the global fight against human malignancies. Extensive searches of all available evidence (up to 30 March 2023) on the anti-cancer activities of anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive agents are obtained from multiple resources (PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, Drug Bank database, ReDo database, and the National Institutes of Health). Interestingly, more than 92 clinical trials are evaluating the anti-cancer activity of 14 anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs against more than 15 cancer types. Moreover, some of these agents have reached Phase IV evaluations, suggesting promising official release as anti-cancer medications. This comprehensive review provides current updates on different anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive classes possessing anti-cancer activities with the available evidence about their mechanism(s) and stage of development and evaluation. Hence, it serves researchers and clinicians interested in anti-cancer drug discovery and cancer management.
Insights
Repurposing common anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs shows significant promise for cancer therapy. Many clinical trials are underway, with some drugs advancing to late-stage evaluations for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Drug repurposing offers a faster, safer, and cheaper alternative for cancer therapy.
- Chronically used medications, such as anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs, are appealing candidates for repurposing due to established safety profiles.
- Cancer therapy faces challenges including side effects, drug resistance, and high costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-cancer activities of anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs.
- To highlight the potential of repurposing these medications for cancer treatment.
- To provide an update on their mechanisms and developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search up to March 2023 using PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, Drug Bank, ReDo, and NIH databases.
- Focused on evidence of anti-cancer activities of anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive agents.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Over 92 clinical trials are investigating 14 anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs against more than 15 cancer types.
- Some repurposed drugs have reached Phase IV clinical trials.
- Evidence suggests these drugs possess anti-cancer properties through various mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive drugs represent a promising avenue for anti-cancer drug discovery.
- Further research and clinical evaluation are warranted to establish their efficacy and safety as cancer therapeutics.
- This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in oncology and drug development.
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