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Khan I, Kamal A, Akhtar S. Diabetes Driven Oncogenesis and Anticancer Potential of Repurposed Antidiabetic Drug: A Systemic Review. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01387-6. [PMID: 38954353 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes and cancer are two prevalent disorders, pose significant public health challenges and contribute substantially to global mortality rates, with solely 10 million reported cancer-related deaths in 2020. This review explores the pathological association between diabetes and diverse cancer progressions, examining molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic intersections. From altered metabolic landscapes to dysregulated signaling pathways, the intricate links are delineated, offering a comprehensive understanding of diabetes as a modulator of tumorigenesis. Cancer cells develop drug resistance through mechanisms like enhanced drug efflux, genetic mutations, and altered drug metabolism, allowing them to survive despite chemotherapeutic agent. Glucose emerges as a pivotal player in diabetes progression, and serving as a crucial energy source for cancer cells, supporting their biosynthetic needs and adaptation to diverse microenvironments. Glycation, a non-enzymatic process that produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs), has been linked to the etiology of cancer and has been shown in a number of tumor forms, such as leiomyosarcomas, adenocarcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Furthermore, in aggressive and metastatic breast cancer, the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is increased, which may increase the malignancy of the tumor. Reprogramming glucose metabolism manifests as hallmark cancer features, including accelerated cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and evasion of apoptosis. This manuscript encapsulates the dual narrative of diabetes as a driver of cancer progression and the potential of repurposed antidiabetic drugs as formidable countermeasures. The amalgamation of mechanistic understanding and clinical trial outcomes establishes a robust foundation for further translational research and therapeutic advancements in the dynamic intersection of diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aisha Kamal
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Rustandi T, Yumassik AM, Ilahi FS, Alfian R, Prihandiwati E, Susanto Y, Susilo YH, Ulfah M, Faizatun F. Repurposing therapy of ibrexafungerp vulvovaginal candidiasis drugs as cancer therapeutics. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1428755. [PMID: 38994207 PMCID: PMC11236599 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1428755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tedi Rustandi
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | | | - Fitrah Shafran Ilahi
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Riza Alfian
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Erna Prihandiwati
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Yugo Susanto
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Yudi Hardi Susilo
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Maria Ulfah
- Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan ISFI Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Faizatun Faizatun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila University, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Weth FR, Hoggarth GB, Weth AF, Paterson E, White MPJ, Tan ST, Peng L, Gray C. Unlocking hidden potential: advancements, approaches, and obstacles in repurposing drugs for cancer therapy. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:703-715. [PMID: 38012383 PMCID: PMC10912636 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High rates of failure, exorbitant costs, and the sluggish pace of new drug discovery and development have led to a growing interest in repurposing "old" drugs to treat both common and rare diseases, particularly cancer. Cancer, a complex and heterogeneous disease, often necessitates a combination of different treatment modalities to achieve optimal outcomes. The intrinsic polygenicity of cancer, intricate biological signalling networks, and feedback loops make the inhibition of a single target frequently insufficient for achieving the desired therapeutic impact. As a result, addressing these complex or "smart" malignancies demands equally sophisticated treatment strategies. Combinatory treatments that target the multifaceted oncogenic signalling network hold immense promise. Repurposed drugs offer a potential solution to this challenge, harnessing known compounds for new indications. By avoiding the prohibitive costs and long development timelines associated with novel cancer drugs, this approach holds the potential to usher in more effective, efficient, and cost-effective cancer treatments. The pursuit of combinatory therapies through drug repurposing may hold the key to achieving superior outcomes for cancer patients. However, drug repurposing faces significant commercial, technological and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. This review explores the diverse approaches employed in drug repurposing, delves into the challenges faced by the drug repurposing community, and presents innovative solutions to overcome these obstacles. By emphasising the significance of combinatory treatments within the context of drug repurposing, we aim to unlock the full potential of this approach for enhancing cancer therapy. The positive aspects of drug repurposing in oncology are underscored here; encompassing personalized treatment, accelerated development, market opportunities for shelved drugs, cancer prevention, expanded patient reach, improved patient access, multi-partner collaborations, increased likelihood of approval, reduced costs, and enhanced combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya R Weth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Georgia B Hoggarth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Anya F Weth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Erin Paterson
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, 5040, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lifeng Peng
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Clint Gray
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
- Centre for Biodiscovery and School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
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Benjamin DJ, Haslam A, Prasad V. Cardiovascular/anti-inflammatory drugs repurposed for treating or preventing cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7049. [PMID: 38491813 PMCID: PMC10943275 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to encouraging pre-clinical data and supportive observational studies, there has been growing interest in applying cardiovascular drugs (including aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, statins, and metformin) approved to treat diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus to the field of oncology. Moreover, given growing costs with cancer care, these medications have offered a potentially more affordable avenue to treat or prevent recurrence of cancer. We sought to investigate the anti-cancer effects of drugs repurposed from cardiology or anti-inflammatories to treat cancer. We specifically evaluated the following drug classes: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, aspirin, metformin, and both angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We also included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they exert a similar mechanism to aspirin by blocking prostaglandins and reducing inflammation that is thought to promote the development of cancer. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review using PubMed and Web of Science with search terms including "aspirin," "NSAID," "statin" (including specific statin drug names), "metformin," "ACE inhibitors," and "ARBs" (including specific anti-hypertensive drug names) in combination with "cancer." Searches were limited to human studies published between 2000 and 2023. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The number and percentage of studies reported positive results and pooled estimates of overall survival, progression-free survival, response, and disease-free survival. RESULTS We reviewed 3094 titles and included 67 randomized clinical trials. The most common drugs that were tested were metformin (n = 21; 30.9%), celecoxib (n = 20; 29.4%), and simvastatin (n = 8; 11.8%). There was only one study that tested cardiac glycosides and none that studied ACE inhibitors. The most common tumor types were non-small-cell lung cancer (n = 19; 27.9%); breast (n = 8; 20.6%), colorectal (n = 7; 10.3%), and hepatocellular (n = 6; 8.8%). Most studies were conducted in a phase II trial (n = 38; 55.9%). Most studies were tested in metastatic cancers (n = 49; 72.1%) and in the first-line setting (n = 36; 521.9%). Four studies (5.9%) were stopped early because of difficulty with accrual. The majority of studies did not demonstrate an improvement in either progression-free survival (86.1% of studies testing progression-free survival) or in overall survival (94.3% of studies testing overall survival). Progression-free survival was improved in five studies (7.4%), and overall survival was improved in three studies (4.4%). Overall survival was significantly worse in two studies (3.8% of studies testing overall survival), and progression-free survival was worse in one study (2.8% of studies testing progression-free survival). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Despite promising pre-clinical and population-based data, cardiovascular drugs and anti-inflammatory medications have overall not demonstrated benefit in the treatment or preventing recurrence of cancer. These findings may help guide future potential clinical trials involving these medications when applied in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyson Haslam
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States
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Bate T, Martin RM, Yarmolinsky J, Haycock PC. Investigating the association between genetically proxied circulating levels of immune checkpoint proteins and cancer survival: protocol for a Mendelian randomisation analysis. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075981. [PMID: 38365286 PMCID: PMC10875531 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Compared with the traditional drug development pathway, investigating alternative uses for existing drugs (ie, drug repurposing) requires substantially less time, cost and resources. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are licensed for the treatment of certain breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung and melanoma cancers. These drugs target immune checkpoint proteins to reduce the suppression of T cell activation by cancer cells. As T cell suppression is a hallmark of cancer common across anatomical sites, we hypothesise that immune checkpoint inhibitors could be repurposed for the treatment of additional cancers beyond the ones already indicated. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will use two-sample Mendelian randomisation to investigate the effect of genetically proxied levels of protein targets of two immune checkpoint inhibitors-programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death ligand 1-on survival of seven cancer types (breast, colorectal, head and neck, lung, melanoma, ovarian and prostate). Summary genetic association data will be obtained from prior genome-wide association studies of circulating protein levels and cancer survival in populations of European ancestry. Various sensitivity analyses will be performed to examine the robustness of findings to potential violations of Mendelian randomisation assumptions, collider bias and the impact of alternative genetic instrument construction strategies. The impact of treatment history and tumour stage on the findings will also be investigated using summary-level and individual-level genetic data where available. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No separate ethics approval will be required for these analyses as we will be using data from previously published genome-wide association studies which individually gained ethical approval and participant consent. Results from analyses will be submitted as an open-access peer-reviewed publication and statistical code will be made freely available on the completion of the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Bate
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard M Martin
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - James Yarmolinsky
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Philip C Haycock
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Huang L, Zhang J, Deng Y, Wang H, Zhao P, Zhao G, Zeng W, Wang Y, Chen C, Wagstaff W, Haydon RC, Reid RR, He TC, Shen L, Luu HH, Zhao L. Niclosamide (NA) overcomes cisplatin resistance in human ovarian cancer. Genes Dis 2023; 10:1687-1701. [PMID: 37397523 PMCID: PMC10311098 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal malignancies of the female reproductive system. OC patients are usually diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of early diagnosis. The standard treatment for OC includes a combination of debulking surgery and platinum-taxane chemotherapy, while several targeted therapies have recently been approved for maintenance treatment. The vast majority of OC patients relapse with chemoresistant tumors after an initial response. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need to develop new therapeutic agents to overcome the chemoresistance of OC. The anti-parasite agent niclosamide (NA) has been repurposed as an anti-cancer agent and exerts potent anti-cancer activities in human cancers including OC. Here, we investigated whether NA could be repurposed as a therapeutic agent to overcome cisplatin-resistant (CR) in human OC cells. To this end, we first established two CR lines SKOV3CR and OVCAR8CR that exhibit the essential biological characteristics of cisplatin resistance in human cancer. We showed that NA inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed cell migration, and induced cell apoptosis in both CR lines at a low micromole range. Mechanistically, NA inhibited multiple cancer-related pathways including AP1, ELK/SRF, HIF1, and TCF/LEF, in SKOV3CR and OVCAR8CR cells. NA was further shown to effectively inhibit xenograft tumor growth of SKOV3CR cells. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that NA may be repurposed as an efficacious agent to combat cisplatin resistance in chemoresistant human OC, and further clinical trials are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjuan Huang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Youling Deng
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Piao Zhao
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wei Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Connie Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - William Wagstaff
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Le Shen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Weng N, Zhang Z, Tan Y, Zhang X, Wei X, Zhu Q. Repurposing antifungal drugs for cancer therapy. J Adv Res 2023; 48:259-273. [PMID: 36067975 PMCID: PMC10248799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repurposing antifungal drugs in cancer therapy has attracted unprecedented attention in both preclinical and clinical research due to specific advantages, such as safety, high-cost effectiveness and time savings compared with cancer drug discovery. The surprising and encouraging efficacy of antifungal drugs in cancer therapy, mechanistically, is attributed to the overlapping targets or molecular pathways between fungal and cancer pathogenesis. Advancements in omics, informatics and analytical technology have led to the discovery of increasing "off-site" targets from antifungal drugs involved in cancerogenesis, such as smoothened (D477G) inhibition from itraconazole in basal cell carcinoma. AIM OF REVIEW This review illustrates several antifungal drugs repurposed for cancer therapy and reveals the underlying mechanism based on their original target and "off-site" target. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for the future development and clinical applications of antifungal drugs for cancer therapy are also discussed, providing a refresh understanding of drug repurposing. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review may provide a basic understanding of repurposed antifungal drugs for clinical cancer management, thereby helping antifungal drugs broaden new indications and promote clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningna Weng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian 350011, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhan Tan
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
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Orozco Morales ML, Rinaldi CA, de Jong E, Lansley SM, Lee YCG, Zemek RM, Bosco A, Lake RA, Lesterhuis WJ. Geldanamycin treatment does not result in anti-cancer activity in a preclinical model of orthotopic mesothelioma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0274364. [PMID: 37146029 PMCID: PMC10162533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is characterised by its aggressive invasive behaviour, affecting the surrounding tissues of the pleura or peritoneum. We compared an invasive pleural model with a non-invasive subcutaneous model of mesothelioma and performed transcriptomic analyses on the tumour samples. Invasive pleural tumours were characterised by a transcriptomic signature enriched for genes associated with MEF2C and MYOCD signaling, muscle differentiation and myogenesis. Further analysis using the CMap and LINCS databases identified geldanamycin as a potential antagonist of this signature, so we evaluated its potential in vitro and in vivo. Nanomolar concentrations of geldanamycin significantly reduced cell growth, invasion, and migration in vitro. However, administration of geldanamycin in vivo did not result in significant anti-cancer activity. Our findings show that myogenesis and muscle differentiation pathways are upregulated in pleural mesothelioma which may be related to the invasive behaviour. However, geldanamycin as a single agent does not appear to be a viable treatment for mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lizeth Orozco Morales
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine A Rinaldi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma de Jong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sally M Lansley
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Y C Gary Lee
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachael M Zemek
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony Bosco
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard A Lake
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - W Joost Lesterhuis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
Liver cancer, mainly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. With the global epidemic of obesity, the major HCC etiologies have been dynamically shifting from viral to metabolic liver diseases. This change has made HCC prevention difficult with increasingly elusive at-risk populations as rational target for preventive interventions. Besides ongoing efforts to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders, chemoprevention in patients who already have metabolic liver diseases may have a significant impact on the poor HCC prognosis. Hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-related HCC incidences have been substantially reduced by the new antivirals, but HCC risk can persist over a decade even after successful viral treatment, highlighting the need for HCC-preventive measures also in these patients. Experimental and retrospective studies have suggested potential utility of generic agents such as lipophilic statins and aspirin for HCC chemoprevention given their well-characterized safety profile, although anticipated efficacy may be modest. In this review, we overview recent clinical and translational studies of generic agents in the context of HCC chemoprevention under the contemporary HCC etiologies. We also discuss newly emerging approaches to overcome the challenges in clinical testing of the agents to facilitate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Rasha
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Subhojit Paul
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tracey G Simon
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases; Department of Internal Medicine; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Jayalath VH, Clark R, Lajkosz K, Fazelzad R, Fleshner NE, Klotz LH, Hamilton RJ. Statin Use and Survival Among Men Receiving Androgen-Ablative Therapies for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2242676. [PMID: 36449294 PMCID: PMC9713611 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Epidemiological evidence supports a role for statins in improving survival in advanced prostate cancer, particularly among men receiving androgen-ablative therapies. OBJECTIVE To study the association between statin use and survival among men with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies (ARATs). DATA SOURCES This systemic review and meta-analysis used sources from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epub Ahead of Print, Cochrane Clinical Trials, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science from inception to September 6, 2022. STUDY SELECTION Observational studies reporting associations of concurrent statin use and survival outcomes (in hazard ratios [HRs]). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two authors independently abstracted all data. Summary estimates pooled multivariable HRs with 95% CIs using the generic inverse variance method with random-effects modeling. A priori specified subgroup and sensitivity analyses were undertaken, and heterogeneity, study quality, and publication bias were evaluated. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Overall mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). RESULTS Twenty-five cohorts of 119 878 men (65 488 statin users [55%]) with more than 74 416 deaths were included. Concurrent statin use was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of overall mortality (HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.66-0.82]; I2 = 83%) and a 35% reduction in the risk of PCSM (HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.58-0.73]; I2 = 74%), with substantial heterogeneity in both estimates. Subgroup analyses identified a PCSM advantage associated with statins for men receiving ARATs compared with ADT alone (HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.30-0.55] vs 0.68 [95% CI, 0.60-0.76]; P = .002 for difference). Confidence in the evidence was rated low for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this meta-analysis show that concurrent statin use was associated with reduced overall mortality and PCSM among men receiving androgen-ablative therapies for advanced prostate cancer. These findings are limited by the observational nature of the data and residual unexplained interstudy heterogeneity. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viranda H. Jayalath
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roderick Clark
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Surgical Oncology-Urology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rouhi Fazelzad
- Library Services, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil E. Fleshner
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Surgical Oncology-Urology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurence H. Klotz
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Urology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert J. Hamilton
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Surgical Oncology-Urology, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Henn M, Martin-Gorgojo V, Martin-Moreno JM. Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention: Gaps in Current Knowledge and Room for Hope. Nutrients 2022; 14:4512. [PMID: 36364774 PMCID: PMC9657468 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive epigenome and transcriptome analyses have unveiled numerous biological mechanisms, including the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and induced apoptosis in neoplastic cells, as well as the modulation of the antineoplastic action of the immune system, which plausibly explains the observed population-based relationship between low vitamin D status and increased cancer risk. However, large randomized clinical trials involving cholecalciferol supplementation have so far failed to show the potential of such interventions in cancer prevention. In this article, we attempt to reconcile the supposed contradiction of these findings by undertaking a thorough review of the literature, including an assessment of the limitations in the design, conduct, and analysis of the studies conducted thus far. We examine the long-standing dilemma of whether the beneficial effects of vitamin D levels increase significantly above a critical threshold or if the conjecture is valid that an increase in available cholecalciferol translates directly into an increase in calcitriol activity. In addition, we try to shed light on the high interindividual epigenetic and transcriptomic variability in response to cholecalciferol supplementation. Moreover, we critically review the standards of interpretation of the available study results and propose criteria that could allow us to reach sound conclusions in this field. Finally, we advocate for options tailored to individual vitamin D needs, combined with a comprehensive intervention that favors prevention through a healthy environment and responsible health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Henn
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra-IdiSNA (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Victor Martin-Gorgojo
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose M. Martin-Moreno
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universitat de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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12
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Nemr MT, Teleb MI, AboulMagd AM, El-Naggar ME, Gouda N, Abdel-Ghany A, Elshaier YA. Design, synthesis and chemoinformatic studies of new thiazolopyrimidine derivatives as potent anticancer agents via phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition and apoptotic inducing activity. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Li XY, Pi YN, Chen Y, Zhu Q, Xia BR. Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase: A Promising Biomarker and Target for Human Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:894744. [PMID: 35756670 PMCID: PMC9218565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.894744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically exhibit a tightly regulated program of metabolic plasticity and epigenetic remodeling to meet the demand of uncontrolled cell proliferation. The metabolic-epigenetic axis has recently become an increasingly hot topic in carcinogenesis and offers new avenues for innovative and personalized cancer treatment strategies. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is a metabolic enzyme involved in controlling methylation potential, impacting DNA and histone epigenetic modification. NNMT overexpression has been described in various solid cancer tissues and even body fluids, including serum, urine, and saliva. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has shown that NNMT knockdown significantly decreases tumorigenesis and chemoresistance capacity. Most importantly, the natural NNMT inhibitor yuanhuadine can reverse epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in lung cancer cells. In this review, we evaluate the possibility of NNMT as a diagnostic biomarker and molecular target for effective anticancer treatment. We also reveal the exact mechanisms of how NNMT affects epigenetics and the development of more potent and selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Bengbu Medical College Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bai-Rong Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei, China
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14
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DRUG REPOSITIONING FOR CANCER IN THE ERA OF BIG OMICS AND REAL-WORLD DATA. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 175:103730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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15
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Buchtova T, Skrott Z, Chroma K, Rehulka J, Dzubak P, Hajduch M, Lukac D, Arampatzis S, Bartek J, Mistrik M. Cannabidiol-induced activation of the metallothionein pathway impedes anticancer effects of disulfiram and its metabolite CuET. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1541-1554. [PMID: 34632694 PMCID: PMC8978514 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), an established alcohol‐aversion drug, is a candidate for repurposing in cancer treatment. DSF’s antitumor activity is supported by preclinical studies, case reports, and small clinical trials; however, ongoing clinical trials of advanced‐stage cancer patients encounter variable results. Here, we show that one reason for the inconsistent clinical effects of DSF may reflect interference by other drugs. Using a high‐throughput screening and automated microscopy, we identify cannabidiol, an abundant component of the marijuana plant used by cancer patients to mitigate side effects of chemotherapy, as a likely cause of resistance to DSF. Mechanistically, in cancer cells, cannabidiol triggers the expression of metallothioneins providing protective effects by binding heavy metal‐based substances including the bis‐diethyldithiocarbamate‐copper complex (CuET). CuET is the documented anticancer metabolite of DSF, and we show here that the CuET’s anticancer toxicity is effectively neutralized by metallothioneins. Overall, this work highlights an example of undesirable interference between cancer therapy and the concomitant usage of marijuana products. In contrast, we report that insufficiency of metallothioneins sensitizes cancer cells toward CuET, suggesting a potential predictive biomarker for DSF repurposing in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Buchtova
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Skrott
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Chroma
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Rehulka
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dzubak
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - David Lukac
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jiri Bartek
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Mistrik
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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16
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Garcia JH, Jain S, Aghi MK. Metabolic Drivers of Invasion in Glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683276. [PMID: 34277624 PMCID: PMC8281286 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor with a median survival under 2 years. The poor prognosis glioblastoma caries is largely due to cellular invasion, which enables escape from resection, and drives inevitable recurrence. While most studies to date have focused on pathways that enhance the invasiveness of tumor cells in the brain microenvironment as the primary driving forces behind GBM’s ability to invade adjacent tissues, more recent studies have identified a role for adaptations in cellular metabolism in GBM invasion. Metabolic reprogramming allows invasive cells to generate the energy necessary for colonizing surrounding brain tissue and adapt to new microenvironments with unique nutrient and oxygen availability. Historically, enhanced glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen (the Warburg effect) has dominated glioblastoma research with respect to tumor metabolism. More recent global profiling experiments, however, have identified roles for lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism in tumor growth and invasion. A thorough understanding of the metabolic traits that define invasive GBM cells may provide novel therapeutic targets for this devastating disease. In this review, we focus on metabolic alterations that have been characterized in glioblastoma, the dynamic nature of tumor metabolism and how it is shaped by interaction with the brain microenvironment, and how metabolic reprogramming generates vulnerabilities that may be ripe for exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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17
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Hernández-Lemus E, Martínez-García M. Pathway-Based Drug-Repurposing Schemes in Cancer: The Role of Translational Bioinformatics. Front Oncol 2021; 10:605680. [PMID: 33520715 PMCID: PMC7841291 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.605680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a set of complex pathologies that has been recognized as a major public health problem worldwide for decades. A myriad of therapeutic strategies is indeed available. However, the wide variability in tumor physiology, response to therapy, added to multi-drug resistance poses enormous challenges in clinical oncology. The last years have witnessed a fast-paced development of novel experimental and translational approaches to therapeutics, that supplemented with computational and theoretical advances are opening promising avenues to cope with cancer defiances. At the core of these advances, there is a strong conceptual shift from gene-centric emphasis on driver mutations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressors-let us call that the silver bullet approach to cancer therapeutics-to a systemic, semi-mechanistic approach based on pathway perturbations and global molecular and physiological regulatory patterns-we will call this the shrapnel approach. The silver bullet approach is still the best one to follow when clonal mutations in driver genes are present in the patient, and when there are targeted therapies to tackle those. Unfortunately, due to the heterogeneous nature of tumors this is not the common case. The wide molecular variability in the mutational level often is reduced to a much smaller set of pathway-based dysfunctions as evidenced by the well-known hallmarks of cancer. In such cases "shrapnel gunshots" may become more effective than "silver bullets". Here, we will briefly present both approaches and will abound on the discussion on the state of the art of pathway-based therapeutic designs from a translational bioinformatics and computational oncology perspective. Further development of these approaches depends on building collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to resort to the expertise of clinical oncologists, oncological surgeons, and molecular oncologists, but also of cancer cell biologists and pharmacologists, as well as bioinformaticians, computational biologists and data scientists. These teams will be capable of engaging on a cycle of analyzing high-throughput experiments, mining databases, researching on clinical data, validating the findings, and improving clinical outcomes for the benefits of the oncological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mireya Martínez-García
- Sociomedical Research Unit, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Mexico City, Mexico
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19
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Bouche G, Gedye C, Meheus L, Pantziarka P. Drug repurposing in oncology. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e542. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Tran AA, Prasad V. Drug repurposing in oncology – Authors' reply. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e544. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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The Undervalued Avenue to Reinstate Tumor Suppressor Functionality of the p53 Protein Family for Improved Cancer Therapy-Drug Repurposing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092717. [PMID: 32971841 PMCID: PMC7563196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 and p73 are critical tumor suppressors that are often inactivated in human cancers through various mechanisms. Owing to their high structural homology, the proteins have many joined functions and recognize the same set of genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. p53 is known as the 'guardian of the genome' and together with p73 forms a barrier against cancer development and progression. The TP53 is mutated in more than 50% of all human cancers and the germline mutations in TP53 predispose to the early onset of multiple tumors in Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), the inherited cancer predisposition. In cancers where TP53 gene is intact, p53 is degraded. Despite the ongoing efforts, the treatment of cancers remains challenging. This is due to late diagnoses, the toxicity of the current standard of care and marginal benefit of newly approved therapies. Presently, the endeavors focus on reactivating p53 exclusively, neglecting the potential of the restoration of p73 protein for cancer eradication. Taken that several small molecules reactivating p53 failed in clinical trials, there is a need to develop new treatments targeting p53 proteins in cancer. This review outlines the most advanced strategies to reactivate p53 and p73 and describes drug repurposing approaches for the efficient reinstatement of the p53 proteins for cancer therapy.
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