The Repurposing of Non-Peptide Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists as Antitumor Drugs: An Urgent Challenge for...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system plays a crucial role in cancer progression.
• NK-1R activation by SP promotes tumor proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, the Warburg effect, and inhibits apoptosis.
• Tumor cells exhibit NK-1R overexpression, impacting their viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of NK-1R antagonists, specifically Aprepitant, as a broad-spectrum anticancer agent.
• To update current information on Aprepitant's efficacy in various cancer types.
• To highlight the urgent need for repurposing Aprepitant as an anticancer drug.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on the SP/NK-1R system in cancer.
• Analysis of studies investigating NK-1R antagonists, particularly Aprepitant.
• Evaluation of Aprepitant's effects alone and in combination therapies.

Main Results:

• NK-1R antagonists effectively block SP-mediated pro-cancer effects.
• Aprepitant demonstrates broad-spectrum anticancer activity across multiple tumor types.
• Combination therapy with Aprepitant may improve cure rates and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Repurposing the antiemetic Aprepitant as an anticancer drug is a promising therapeutic strategy.
• Targeting the SP/NK-1R pathway offers a novel approach to cancer treatment.
• Further research is warranted to fully explore Aprepitant's antitumor potential.