Anticancer Effects of Nortriptyline Hydrochloride in Osteosarcoma Cells Including Doxorubicin-resistant Cells

Yuki Uemichi1, Miyuki Mabuchi1, Shuji Nagano1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe, Japan.

Anticancer Research
|June 29, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nortriptyline hydrochloride (NTP) effectively inhibits osteosarcoma (OS) cell proliferation and migration. This drug repositioning approach shows promise for treating OS and preventing metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Repositioning

Background:

  • Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer with high recurrence and metastasis rates.
  • Nortriptyline hydrochloride (NTP), an antidepressant, exhibits antitumor properties in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate NTP's potential as a therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma.
  • To explore drug repositioning of NTP for osteosarcoma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed NTP's effects on OS cell proliferation and migration.
  • Evaluated cell viability, cell death inhibition, LDH release, and cell cycle.
  • Utilized cytoskeletal staining and doxorubicin-resistant OS cells.

Main Results:

  • NTP inhibited OS cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner.
  • NTP induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and disrupted actin filaments.
  • NTP demonstrated efficacy against doxorubicin-resistant OS cells.

Conclusions:

  • NTP exhibits significant anticancer activity against osteosarcoma cells.
  • NTP shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for osteosarcoma.
  • NTP may prevent osteosarcoma growth and metastasis.

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