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Repurposing Antifungal Drugs for Oral Cancer Treatment: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Potential-A Narrative

Anju Mayadevi Nair1, Bounika Esvanth Rao1, Satish Srinivas Kondaveeti2

  • 1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry
|July 25, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Repurposing antifungal drugs like itraconazole and terbinafine shows promise as an adjuvant therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). These agents target key cancer pathways, offering a cost-effective strategy to improve OSCC treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Repurposing

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents significant therapeutic challenges with high recurrence and toxicity.
  • Drug repurposing offers a faster, more economical route to identify new uses for existing medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanistic basis and clinical potential of repurposing antifungal agents as adjuvant treatments for OSCC.
  • To evaluate azoles and allylamines for their efficacy in combating OSCC.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus up to November 14, 2025.
  • Studies focusing on antifungal inhibition of OSCC growth and metastasis were selected.
  • Methodological quality was assessed using the Scale for the Evaluation of Narrative Review Articles.

Main Results:

  • Antifungal agents, notably itraconazole and terbinafine, demonstrate potent antitumor effects.
  • These drugs target critical oncogenic pathways like Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
  • Preclinical data show induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and sensitization to standard therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Antifungal drugs offer a viable and efficient strategy to improve OSCC treatment.
  • Further research should focus on nanoformulations and liposomal azoles to enhance bioavailability for clinical application.
Keywords:
AntifungalsPI3K/AKT/mTORdrug repurposinghedgehog signalingitraconazoleoral cancer

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