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Albini A, Noonan DM, Corradino P, Magnoni F, Corso G. The Past and Future of Angiogenesis as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Prevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2024; 17:289-303. [PMID: 38714356 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-24-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which represents a hallmark of cancer. After this concept was established in the 1970s, inhibition of tumor development and metastases by blocking the neoangiogenic process has been an important approach to the treatment of tumors. However, antiangiogenic therapies are often administered when cancer has already progressed. The key to reducing the cancer burden is prevention. We noticed 20 years ago that a series of possible cancer chemopreventive agents showed antiangiogenic properties when tested in experimental models. This article reviews the relevant advances in the understanding of the rationale for targeting angiogenesis for cancer therapy, prevention, and interception and recently investigated substances with antiangiogenic activity that may be suitable for such strategies. Many compounds, either dietary derivatives or repurposed drugs, with antiangiogenic activity are possible tools for cancer angioprevention. Such molecules have a favorable safety profile and are likely to allow the prolonged duration necessary for an efficient preventive strategy. Recent evidence on mechanisms and possible use is described here for food derivatives, including flavonoids, retinoids, triterpenoids, omega fatty acids, and carotenoids from marine microorganisms. As examples, a number of compounds, including epigallocatechin, resveratrol, xanthohumol, hydroxytyrosol, curcumin, fenretinide, lycopene, fucoxanthin, and repurposed drugs, such as aspirin, β blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, carnitines, and biguanides, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Albini
- European Institute of Oncologi IEO, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Corradino
- European Institute of Oncologi IEO, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Magnoni
- European Institute of Oncologi IEO, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corso
- European Institute of Oncologi IEO, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Xia Y, Sun M, Huang H, Jin WL. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:92. [PMID: 38637540 PMCID: PMC11026526 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01808-1] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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Mohi-Ud-Din R, Chawla A, Sharma P, Mir PA, Potoo FH, Reiner Ž, Reiner I, Ateşşahin DA, Sharifi-Rad J, Mir RH, Calina D. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical prospects. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:345. [PMID: 37710280 PMCID: PMC10500791 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with predictions of increasing prevalence in the coming years due to limited prevention, late diagnosis, and inadequate success with current therapies. In addition, the high cost of new anti-cancer drugs creates barriers in meeting the medical needs of cancer patients, especially in developing countries. The lengthy and costly process of developing novel drugs further hinders drug discovery and clinical implementation. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in repurposing approved drugs for other diseases to address the urgent need for effective cancer treatments. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the potential of approved non-oncology drugs as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. These drugs come from various chemotherapeutic classes, including antimalarials, antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antifungals, and have demonstrated significant antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the repurposing of approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using appropriate keywords. Studies focusing on the therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and clinical prospects of repurposed drugs in cancer treatment were included in the analysis. The review highlights the promising outcomes of repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes have demonstrated notable antitumor effects, including inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, modulating the immune response, and suppressing metastasis. These findings suggest the potential of these repurposed drugs as effective therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs provides a promising strategy for addressing the urgent need for effective and accessible cancer treatments. The diverse classes of repurposed drugs, with their demonstrated antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties, offer new avenues for cancer therapy. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full potential of these repurposed drugs and optimize their use in treating various cancer types. Repurposing approved drugs can significantly expedite the process of identifying effective treatments and improve patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohi Mohi-Ud-Din
- Department of General Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001, India
| | - Apporva Chawla
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Prince Ahad Mir
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Potoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 1982, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Reiner
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dilek Arslan Ateşşahin
- Baskil Vocational School, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Fırat University, 23100, Elazıg, Turkey
| | | | - Reyaz Hassan Mir
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir, 190006, India.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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Mallardo D, Simeone E, Vanella V, Vitale MG, Palla M, Scarpato L, Paone M, De Cristofaro T, Borzillo V, Cortellini A, Sparano F, Pignata S, Fiore F, Caracò C, Maiolino P, Petrillo A, Cavalcanti E, Lastoria S, Muto P, Budillon A, Warren S, Ascierto PA. Concomitant medication of cetirizine in advanced melanoma could enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy by promoting M1 macrophages polarization. J Transl Med 2022; 20:436. [PMID: 36180872 PMCID: PMC9523893 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical observation showed a potential additive effect of anti-PD-1 agents and cetirizine in patients with advanced melanoma. METHODS Clinical outcomes of concomitant cetirizine/anti-PD-1 treatment of patients with stage IIIb-IV melanoma were retrospectively collected, and a transcriptomic analysis was performed on blood samples obtained at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS Patients treated with cetirizine concomitantly with an anti-PD-1 agent had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS; mean PFS: 28 vs 15 months, HR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28-0.76; p = 0.0023) and OS (mean OS was 36 vs 23 months, HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29-0.78; p = 0.0032) in comparison with those not receiving cetirizine. The concomitant treatment was significantly associated with ORR and DCR (p < 0.05). The expression of FCGR1A/CD64, a specific marker of macrophages, was increased after the treatment in comparison with baseline in blood samples from patients receiving cetirizine, but not in those receiving only the anti-PD1, and positively correlated with the expression of genes linked to the interferon pathway such as CCL8 (rho = 0.32; p = 0.0111), IFIT1 (rho = 0.29; p = 0.0229), IFIT3 (rho = 0.57; p < 0.0001), IFI27 (rho = 0.42; p = 0.008), MX1 (rho = 0.26; p = 0.0383) and RSAD2 (rho = 0.43; p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study suggests that M1 macrophage polarization may be induced by cetirizine through the interferon-gamma pathway. This effect may synergize with the immunotherapy of advanced melanoma with anti-PD-1 agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mallardo
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Ester Simeone
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Vanella
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Vitale
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Palla
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Scarpato
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Miriam Paone
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa De Cristofaro
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Borzillo
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS -Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W120HS, UK
| | - Francesca Sparano
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS -Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Fiore
- Interventional Radiology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS -Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Corrado Caracò
- Division of Surgery of Melanoma and Skin Cancer, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Piera Maiolino
- Hospital Pharmacy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Petrillo
- Radiology Division, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesta Cavalcanti
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS -Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Secondo Lastoria
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS -Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Li X, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Zhou H, Lu X, Zhao L, Yuan Q, Shi Y, Zhao J, Dong Z, Jiang Y, Liu K. Tegaserod Maleate Suppresses the Growth of Gastric Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro by Targeting MEK1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153592. [PMID: 35892850 PMCID: PMC9332868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth in global incidence and fourth in mortality. The current treatments for GC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although treatment strategies for GC have been improved over the last decade, the overall five-year survival rate remains less than 30%. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find novel therapeutic or preventive strategies to increase GC patient survival rates. In the current study, we found that tegaserod maleate, an FDA-approved drug, inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, bound to MEK1/2 and suppressed MEK1/2 kinase activity. Moreover, tegaserod maleate inhibited the progress of gastric cancer by depending on MEK1/2. Notably, we found that tegaserod maleate suppressed tumor growth in the patient-derived gastric xenograft (PDX) model. We further compared the effect between tegaserod maleate and trametinib, which is a clinical MEK1/2 inhibitor, and confirmed that tegaserod maleate has the same effect as trametinib in inhibiting the growth of GC. Our findings suggest that tegaserod maleate inhibited GC proliferation by targeting MEK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Wang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Yingying Chen
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaokun Zhao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Xuebo Lu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Qiang Yuan
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yunshu Shi
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Basic Medicine Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ziming Dong
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Basic Medicine Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Basic Medicine Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (Y.J.); (K.L.)
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; (Z.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (L.Z.); (Q.Y.); (Y.S.); (J.Z.); (Z.D.)
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Basic Medicine Research Center, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence: (Y.J.); (K.L.)
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Uprety B, Abrahamse H. Targeting Breast Cancer and Their Stem Cell Population through AMPK Activation: Novel Insights. Cells 2022; 11:576. [PMID: 35159385 PMCID: PMC8834477 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite some significant advancements, breast cancer has become the most prevalent cancer in the world. One of the main reasons for failure in treatment and metastasis has been attributed to the presence of cancer initiating cells-cancer stem cells. Consequently, research is now being focussed on targeting cancer cells along with their stem cell population. Non-oncology drugs are gaining increasing attention for their potent anticancer activities. Metformin, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, is the best example in this regard. It exerts its therapeutic action by activating 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activated AMPK subsequently phosphorylates and targets several cellular pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation and the maintenance of stem-like properties of cancer stem cells. Therefore, AMPK is emerging as a target of choice for developing effective anticancer drugs. Vanadium compounds are well-known PTP inhibitors and AMPK activators. They find extensive applications in treatment of diabetes and obesity via PTP1B inhibition and AMPK-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis. However, their role in targeting cancer stem cells has not been explored yet. This review is an attempt to establish the applications of insulin mimetic vanadium compounds for the treatment of breast cancer by AMPK activation and PTP1B inhibition pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Uprety
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa;
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health Qatar University P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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8
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Koltai T. Targeting the pH Paradigm at the Bedside: A Practical Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9221. [PMID: 33287221 PMCID: PMC7730959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The inversion of the pH gradient in malignant tumors, known as the pH paradigm, is increasingly becoming accepted by the scientific community as a hallmark of cancer. Accumulated evidence shows that this is not simply a metabolic consequence of a dysregulated behavior, but rather an essential process in the physiopathology of accelerated proliferation and invasion. From the over-simplification of increased lactate production as the cause of the paradigm, as initially proposed, basic science researchers have arrived at highly complex and far-reaching knowledge, that substantially modified that initial belief. These new developments show that the paradigm entails a different regulation of membrane transporters, electrolyte exchangers, cellular and membrane enzymes, water trafficking, specialized membrane structures, transcription factors, and metabolic changes that go far beyond fermentative glycolysis. This complex world of dysregulations is still shuttered behind the walls of experimental laboratories and has not yet reached bedside medicine. However, there are many known pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that are capable of targeting the pH paradigm. Most of these products are well known, have low toxicity, and are also inexpensive. They need to be repurposed, and this would entail shorter clinical studies and enormous cost savings if we compare them with the time and expense required for the development of a new molecule. Will targeting the pH paradigm solve the "cancer problem"? Absolutely not. However, reversing the pH inversion would strongly enhance standard treatments, rendering them more efficient, and in some cases permitting lower doses of toxic drugs. This article's goal is to describe how to reverse the pH gradient inversion with existing drugs and nutraceuticals that can easily be used in bedside medicine, without adding toxicity to established treatments. It also aims at increasing awareness among practicing physicians that targeting the pH paradigm would be able to improve the results of standard therapies. Some clinical cases will be presented as well, showing how the pH gradient inversion can be treated at the bedside in a simple manner with repurposed drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Koltai
- Centro de Diagnostico y Tratamiento de la Obra Social del Personal de la Alimentacion, Talar de Pacheco, Buenos Aires 1617, Argentina
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