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Tamura R. Drug Repositioning for Refractory Benign Tumors of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12997. [PMID: 37629179 PMCID: PMC10455557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning (DR) is the process of identifying novel therapeutic potentials for already-approved drugs and discovering new therapies for untreated diseases. DR can play an important role in optimizing the pre-clinical process of developing novel drugs by saving time and cost compared with the process of de novo drug discovery. Although the number of publications related to DR has rapidly increased, most therapeutic approaches were reported for malignant tumors. Surgical resection represents the definitive treatment for benign tumors of the central nervous system (BTCNS). However, treatment options remain limited for surgery-, chemotherapy- and radiation-refractory BTCNS, as well as malignant tumors. Meningioma, pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET), and schwannoma are the most common BTCNS. The treatment strategy using DR may be applied for refractory BTCNS, such as Grade 2 meningiomas, neurofibromatosis type 2-related schwannomatosis, and PitNETs with cavernous sinus invasion. In the setting of BTCNS, stable disease can provide significant benefit to the patient. DR may provide a longer duration of survival without disease progression for patients with refractory BTCNS. This article reviews the utility of DR for refractory BTCNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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2
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Azab MA, Cole K, Earl E, Cutler C, Mendez J, Karsy M. Medical Management of Meningiomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2023; 34:319-333. [PMID: 37210123 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Meningiomas represent the most common type of benign tumor of the extra-axial compartment. Although most meningiomas are benign World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 lesions, the increasingly prevalent of WHO grade 2 lesion and occasional grade 3 lesions show worsened recurrence rates and morbidity. Multiple medical treatments have been evaluated but show limited efficacy. We review the status of medical management in meningiomas, highlighting successes and failures of various treatment options. We also explore newer studies evaluating the use of immunotherapy in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Azab
- Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Kyril Cole
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Emma Earl
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Chris Cutler
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 N Green Bay Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Joe Mendez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Michael Karsy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Jungwirth G, Hanemann CO, Dunn IF, Herold-Mende C. Preclinical Models of Meningioma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1416:199-211. [PMID: 37432629 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29750-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The management of clinically aggressive meningiomas remains challenging due to limited treatment options aside from surgical removal and radiotherapy. High recurrence rates and lack of effective systemic therapies contribute to the unfavorable prognosis of these patients. Accurate in vitro and in vivo models are critical for understanding meningioma pathogenesis and to identify and test novel therapeutics. In this chapter, we review cell models, genetically engineered mouse models, and xenograft mouse models, with special emphasis on the field of application. Finally, promising preclinical 3D models such as organotypic tumor slices and patient-derived tumor organoids are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Jungwirth
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ian F Dunn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Cavernous sinus meningioma (CSM) presents a management challenge to present-day neurosurgeons. Lack of adequate understanding of the natural history of these lesions, the early involvement of vital neurovascular structures, the absence of clear tissue planes with normal surrounding structures, and a high rate of aggressive surgery-related morbidity each pose management dilemmas for neurosurgeons. Over the past few decades, the enthusiasm of the neurosurgical community has shifted from aggressive microsurgical resection to maximal safe resection and institution of adjuvant radiotherapy, if necessary. This paradigm shift has ensured better functional outcome in treated patients. This chapter has been designed to discuss the current treatment algorithm and the importance of multimodality management for optimal outcome in patients with CSM. The technical aspects of this approach to management are presented, and the various treatment options are compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Raheja
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - William T Couldwell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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Maklad A, Sharma A, Azimi I. Calcium Signaling in Brain Cancers: Roles and Therapeutic Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020145. [PMID: 30691160 PMCID: PMC6406375 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling, in addition to its numerous physiological roles, is also implicated in several pathological conditions including cancer. An increasing body of evidence suggest critical roles of calcium signaling in the promotion of different aspects of cancer, including cell proliferation, therapy resistance and metastatic-related processes. In many cases, this is associated with altered expression and/or activity of some calcium channels and pumps. Brain cancers have also been the subject of many of these studies. In addition to diverse roles of calcium signals in normal brain function, a number of proteins involved in calcium transport are implicated to have specific roles in some brain cancers including gliomas, medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma and meningioma. This review discusses research that has been conducted so far to understand diverse roles of Ca2+-transporting proteins in the progression of brain cancers, as well as any attempts to target these proteins towards a therapeutic approach for the control of brain cancers. Finally, some knowledge gaps in the field that may need to be further considered are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Maklad
- Division of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Anjana Sharma
- Division of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Iman Azimi
- Division of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
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Nigim F, Wakimoto H, Kasper EM, Ackermans L, Temel Y. Emerging Medical Treatments for Meningioma in the Molecular Era. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6030086. [PMID: 30082628 PMCID: PMC6165537 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system tumors. Approximately, 80% of meningiomas are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as grade I, and 20% of these tumors are grade II and III, considered high-grade meningiomas (HGMs). Clinical control of HGMs, as well as meningiomas that relapse after surgery, and radiation therapy is difficult, and novel therapeutic approaches are necessary. However, traditional chemotherapies, interferons, hormonal therapies, and other targeted therapies have so far failed to provide clinical benefit. During the last several years, next generation sequencing has dissected the genetic heterogeneity of meningioma and enriched our knowledge about distinct oncogenic pathways driving different subtypes of meningiomas, opening up a door to new personalized targeted therapies. Molecular classification of meningioma allows a new design of clinical trials that assign patients to corresponding targeted agents based on the tumor genetic subtypes. In this review, we will shed light on emerging medical treatments of meningiomas with a particular focus on the new targets identified with genomic sequencing that have led to clinical trials testing novel compounds. Moreover, we present recent development of patient-derived preclinical models that provide platforms for assessing targeted therapies as well as strategies with novel mechanism of action such as oncolytic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Nigim
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Ekkehard M Kasper
- Department of Neurosurgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON 8L8 2X2, Canada.
| | - Linda Ackermans
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HY Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HY Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Pharmacological targeting of ion channels for cancer therapy: In vivo evidences. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:1385-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Karsy M, Guan J, Cohen A, Colman H, Jensen RL. Medical Management of Meningiomas: Current Status, Failed Treatments, and Promising Horizons. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2016; 27:249-60. [PMID: 27012389 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Meningiomas are benign tumors of the central nervous system, with low recurrence risk for World Health Organization (WHO) grade I lesions but a high risk for WHO grade II and III lesions. Current standard treatments include maximum safe surgical resection when indicated and radiation. Only three systemic therapies alpha-interferon, somatostatin receptor agonists, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors are currently recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for treatment of recurrent meningioma. This paper aims to review medical approaches in the treatment of meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karsy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Adam Cohen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Howard Colman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randy L Jensen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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Iglesias Gómez JC, Mosquera Orgueira A. An integrative analysis of meningioma tumors reveals the determinant genes and pathways of malignant transformation. Front Oncol 2014; 4:147. [PMID: 25003081 PMCID: PMC4066933 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are frequent central nervous system neoplasms, which despite their predominant benignity, show sporadically malignant behavior. Type 2 neurofibromatosis and polymorphisms in several genes have been associated with meningioma risk and are probably involved in its pathogenesis. Although GWAS studies have found loci related to meningioma risk, little is known about the factors determining malignant transformation. Thus, this study is aimed to identify the genomic and transcriptomic factors influencing evolution from benignity toward aggressive phenotypes. By applying an integrative bioinformatics pipeline combining public information on a wealth of biological layers of complexity (from genetic polymorphisms to protein interactions), this study identified a module of co-expressed genes highly correlated with tumor stage and statistically linked to several genomic regions (module Quantitative Trait Loci, mQTLs). Ontology analysis of the transcription hub genes identified microtubule-associated cell-cycle processes as key drivers of such network. mQTLs and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with meningioma stage were replicated in an alternative meningioma cohort, and integration of these results with up-to-date scientific literature and several databases retrieved a list of genes and pathways with a potentially important role in meningioma malignancy. As a result, cytoskeleton and cell-cell adhesion pathways, calcium-channels and glutamate receptors, as well as oxidoreductase and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathways were found to be the most important and redundant findings associated to meningioma progression. This study presents an integrated view of the pathways involved in meningioma malignant conversion and paves the way for the development of new research lines that will improve our understanding of meningioma biology.
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Chamberlain MC, Barnholtz-Sloan JS. Medical treatment of recurrent meningiomas. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 11:1425-32. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.11.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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11
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Moazzam AA, Wagle N, Zada G. Recent developments in chemotherapy for meningiomas: a review. Neurosurg Focus 2013; 35:E18. [DOI: 10.3171/2013.10.focus13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Object
Currently, few medical options exist for refractory and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas. New developments in chemotherapeutic options for meningiomas have been explored over the past decade. The authors review these recent developments, with an emphasis on emerging avenues for therapy, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects.
Methods
A review of the literature was performed to identify any studies exploring recent medical and chemotherapeutic agents that have been or are currently being tested for meningiomas. Results from included preclinical and human clinical trials were reviewed and summarized.
Results
Current guidelines recommend only 3 drugs that can be used to treat patients with refractory and highgrade meningiomas: hydroxyurea, interferon-α 2B, and Sandostatin long-acting release. Recent developments in the medical treatment of meningiomas have been made across a variety of pharmacological classes, including cytotoxic agents, hormonal agents, immunomodulators, and targeted agents toward a variety of growth factors and their signaling cascades. Promising avenues of therapy that are being evaluated for efficacy and safety include antagonists of platelet-derived growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and mammalian target of rapamycin. Because malignant transformation in meningiomas is likely to be mediated by numerous processes interacting via a complex matrix of signals, combination therapies affecting multiple molecular targets are currently being explored and hold significant promise as adjuvant therapy options.
Conclusions
Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving meningioma tumorigenesis and malignant transformation has resulted in the targeted development of more specific agents for chemotherapeutic intervention in patients with nonresectable, aggressive, and malignant meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriel Zada
- 3Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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Schemarova IV, Selivanova GV, Vlasova TD. Influence of activator and inhibitors of Ca2+ channels on proliferative activity in Tetrahymena pyriformis infusoria. Russ J Dev Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360412040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Wen PY, Quant E, Drappatz J, Beroukhim R, Norden AD. Medical therapies for meningiomas. J Neurooncol 2010; 99:365-78. [PMID: 20820875 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Although the majority of these tumors can be effectively treated with surgery and radiation therapy, an important subset of patients have inoperable tumors, or develop recurrent disease after surgery and radiotherapy, and require some form of medical therapy. There are increasing numbers of studies evaluating various medical therapies but the results remain disappointing. Chemotherapies and hormonal therapies have been generally ineffective, although somatostatin analogues may have therapeutic potential. There is also increasing interest in targeted molecular therapies. Agents inhibiting platelet derived growth factor receptors and epidermal growth factor receptors have shown little efficacy, but molecular agents inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors appear to have some promise. As with other tumors, advances in the medical therapies for meningiomas will require improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors, more predictive preclinical models, and efficient mechanisms for conducting clinical trials, given the small population of eligible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Y Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Cell Cycle-Dependent Localization of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels and the Mitotic Apparatus in a Neuroendocrine Cell Line(AtT-20). Int J Cell Biol 2010; 2009:487959. [PMID: 20130814 PMCID: PMC2814229 DOI: 10.1155/2009/487959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Revised: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in intracellular calcium are necessary for the successful progression of mitosis in many cells. Both elevation and reduction in intracellular calcium can disrupt mitosis by mechanisms that remain ill defined. In this study we explore the role of transmembrane voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV channels) as regulators of mitosis in the mouse corticotroph cell line (AtT-20). We report that the nifedipine-sensitive isoform CaV1.2 is localized to the "poleward side" of kinetechores during metaphase and at the midbody during cytokinesis. A second nifedipine-sensitive isoform, CaV1.3, is present at the mid-spindle zone in telophase, but is also seen at the midbody. Nifedipine reduces the rate of cell proliferation, and, utilizing time-lapse microscopy, we show that this is due to a block at the prometaphase stage of the cell cycle. Using Fluo-4 we detect calcium fluxes at sites corresponding to the mid-spindle zone and the midbody region. Another calcium dye, Fura PE3/AM, causes an inhibition of mitosis prior to anaphase that we attribute to a chelation of intracellular calcium. Our results demonstrate a novel, isoform-specific localization of CaV1 channels during cell division and suggest a possible role for these channels in the calcium-dependent events underlying mitotic progression in pituitary corticotrophs.
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Walsh MT, Couldwell WT. Management options for cavernous sinus meningiomas. J Neurooncol 2009; 92:307-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-9824-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/23/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy for recurrent meningiomas. J Neurooncol 2008; 92:1-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-008-9734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Dueñas-González A, García-López P, Herrera LA, Medina-Franco JL, González-Fierro A, Candelaria M. The prince and the pauper. A tale of anticancer targeted agents. Mol Cancer 2008; 7:82. [PMID: 18947424 PMCID: PMC2615789 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-7-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer rates are set to increase at an alarming rate, from 10 million new cases globally in 2000 to 15 million in 2020. Regarding the pharmacological treatment of cancer, we currently are in the interphase of two treatment eras. The so-called pregenomic therapy which names the traditional cancer drugs, mainly cytotoxic drug types, and post-genomic era-type drugs referring to rationally-based designed. Although there are successful examples of this newer drug discovery approach, most target-specific agents only provide small gains in symptom control and/or survival, whereas others have consistently failed in the clinical testing. There is however, a characteristic shared by these agents: -their high cost-. This is expected as drug discovery and development is generally carried out within the commercial rather than the academic realm. Given the extraordinarily high therapeutic drug discovery-associated costs and risks, it is highly unlikely that any single public-sector research group will see a novel chemical "probe" become a "drug". An alternative drug development strategy is the exploitation of established drugs that have already been approved for treatment of non-cancerous diseases and whose cancer target has already been discovered. This strategy is also denominated drug repositioning, drug repurposing, or indication switch. Although traditionally development of these drugs was unlikely to be pursued by Big Pharma due to their limited commercial value, biopharmaceutical companies attempting to increase productivity at present are pursuing drug repositioning. More and more companies are scanning the existing pharmacopoeia for repositioning candidates, and the number of repositioning success stories is increasing. Here we provide noteworthy examples of known drugs whose potential anticancer activities have been highlighted, to encourage further research on these known drugs as a means to foster their translation into clinical trials utilizing the more limited public-sector resources. If these drug types eventually result in being effective, it follows that they could be much more affordable for patients with cancer; therefore, their contribution in terms of reducing cancer mortality at the global level would be greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Dueñas-González
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico.
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