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Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen
19:44

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Repurposing Antipsychotics in Cancer Therapy: Modulation of Autophagy Mechanisms

Elahe Orak Sarkani1, Sarvenaz Parsa1, Sanaz Darash1

  • 1Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Clinical Drug Investigation
|July 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Antipsychotic drugs can modulate autophagy, a cellular process that impacts cancer cell survival and resistance. Repurposing these drugs may enhance cancer therapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Antipsychotic drugs are established treatments for psychotic disorders.
  • Autophagy plays a dual role in cancer, aiding survival but also causing resistance.
  • Antipsychotics are emerging as regulators of autophagy in tumor cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of antipsychotic-autophagy interactions in cancer.
  • To explore the potential of repurposing antipsychotics as adjuvant cancer therapies.
  • To highlight the need for further research into antipsychotic-based cancer treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical evidence on antipsychotic effects on autophagy.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways linking antipsychotics, autophagy, and cancer.
  • Examination of context-dependent outcomes of antipsychotic-autophagy modulation.

Main Results:

  • Certain antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazines, penfluridol) regulate autophagic flux in tumor cells.
  • Antipsychotic modulation of autophagy affects cancer cell survival, apoptosis, and treatment response.
  • The impact of antipsychotics on autophagy varies by drug, concentration, and tumor type.

Conclusions:

  • Antipsychotic-autophagy crosstalk presents a promising avenue for novel cancer treatment strategies.
  • Repurposing antipsychotics may sensitize tumors to conventional therapies and overcome drug resistance.
  • Further mechanistic and translational studies are crucial for clinical application.

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