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Published on: September 1, 2018
[Antidepressants as additional drugs for human brain gliomas]
A V Revishchin1, G V Pavlova1,2
1Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor. To date, there is no optimal treatment approach for this disease. Antidepressants with antitumor effects are one of the new therapeutic directions. A distinctive feature of these drugs is their approval for clinical practice in the treatment of depressive disorders.
Objective:
To analyze available literature data on mechanisms of antitumor action and advisability of antidepressants for GB.
Material And Methods:
We reviewed the databases using the keywords «glioma», «antidepressants», «drug repurposing».
Results:
According to numerous preclinical studies, activity of antidepressants at the cellular level is aimed at enhancing apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting the cell cycle, differentiating and/or maintaining the stem cell status, as well as migrating tumor cells.
Conclusion:
Available data can substantiate further experimental and clinical studies, as well as searching for therapeutic combinations using antidepressants for the treatment of human gliomas.
Insights
Antidepressants show potential for treating glioblastoma (GB) by affecting cancer cells at the cellular level. Further research into drug repurposing could lead to new glioma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive brain tumor with limited treatment options.
- Antidepressants are being explored for their potential antitumor effects.
- These drugs are already approved for treating depressive disorders, suggesting a favorable safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the mechanisms of antidepressant action against glioblastoma.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using antidepressants as a therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of databases using keywords: "glioma", "antidepressants", "drug repurposing".
Main Results:
- Preclinical studies indicate antidepressants can enhance apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells.
- Antidepressants may inhibit the cell cycle and influence tumor cell differentiation and migration.
- Evidence suggests potential for modulating cancer stem cell characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Current data support further investigation into antidepressants for glioma treatment.
- Experimental and clinical studies are warranted to explore therapeutic combinations.
- Drug repurposing of antidepressants offers a promising avenue for novel glioma therapies.
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