Can Anticancer Drugs Be A Promising Candidate for The Treatment of Endometriosis?

Sedigheh Kamrani1, Soodeh Mahdian2,3, Maryam Shahhoseini1,3,4

  • 1Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.

Cell Journal
|February 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Drug repurposing, particularly using anticancer agents, shows promise for treating endometriosis by targeting shared molecular pathways like fibronectin. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety for this benign gynecological disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Endometriosis affects 10-15% of women, characterized by endometrial tissue outside the uterus, with poorly understood pathophysiology.
  • Current treatments (surgery, hormonal therapy) have limited efficacy and side effects.
  • Drug repurposing is an emerging strategy for endometriosis management.

Discussion:

  • Explores molecular similarities between endometriosis and cancers, focusing on fibronectin.
  • Investigates repurposing existing drugs, especially anticancer agents, for endometriosis treatment.
  • Highlights the potential for more effective and less invasive therapeutic options.

Key Insights:

  • Anticancer drugs demonstrate potential in preclinical studies to inhibit endometriosis progression.
  • Targeting shared molecular pathways offers a novel therapeutic avenue.
  • Drug repurposing leverages existing drug knowledge for faster development.

Outlook:

  • Further clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of repurposed anticancer drugs.
  • Establishes the precise role of these agents in endometriosis management.
  • Promises improved treatment outcomes for patients with endometriosis.

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