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DPP-4 Inhibitors in Female Cancers: Opportunities for Drug Repurposing.
Hiba F Muddather1,2, Zsuzsanna Schelz1, István Zupkó1
1Institute of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, used for diabetes, show potential against female cancers. However, current evidence is limited and controversial, requiring further research for safe and effective use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Female malignancies like breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers pose significant health challenges with limited advanced-stage treatment options.
- Drug repurposing, particularly using antidiabetic medications, is a promising strategy for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, are increasingly linked to elevated cancer risk, suggesting antidiabetic drugs as potential anticancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current epidemiological, preclinical, and clinical evidence on the role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in female cancers.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of DPP4 inhibitors as anticancer agents in female malignancies.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological data linking metabolic disorders and cancer risk.
- Evaluation of preclinical studies on DPP4 function in cancer biology.
- Assessment of available clinical trial data on DPP4 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- DPP4 plays a role in key oncogenic processes such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, immune modulation, and metabolic reprogramming.
- DPP4 inhibitors exhibit diverse biological functions relevant to cancer, including glucose metabolism, inflammation, and immune regulation.
- Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of DPP4 inhibition in female cancer therapy is currently controversial and scarce.
Conclusions:
- DPP4 inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic avenue for female cancers, warranting further investigation.
- More mechanistic studies and well-designed clinical trials are essential to establish the safety and clinical applicability of DPP4 inhibitors in managing female malignancies.
- Understanding the complex interplay between DPP4, metabolic pathways, and cancer biology is crucial for therapeutic development.
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