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Xing X, Zhou Z, Peng H, Cheng S. Anticancer role of flubendazole: Effects and molecular mechanisms (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:558. [PMID: 39355784 PMCID: PMC11443308 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Flubendazole, an anthelmintic agent with a well-established safety profile, has emerged as a promising anticancer drug that has demonstrated efficacy against a spectrum of cancer types over the past decade. Its anticancer properties encompass a multifaceted mechanism of action, including the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, disruption of microtubule dynamics, regulation of cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, suppression of cancer stem cell characteristics, promotion of ferroptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis. The present review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular underpinnings of the anticancer activity of flubendazole, highlighting key molecules and regulatory pathways. Given the breadth of the potential of flubendazole, further research is imperative to identify additional cancer types sensitive to flubendazole, refine experimental methodologies for enhancing its reliability, uncover synergistic drug combinations, improve its bioavailability and explore innovative administration methods. The present review provided a foundation for future studies on the role of flubendazole in oncology and described its molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xing
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Zongning Zhou
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Peng
- Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Shaoping Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
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2
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Al Khzem AH, Gomaa MS, Alturki MS, Tawfeeq N, Sarafroz M, Alonaizi SM, Al Faran A, Alrumaihi LA, Alansari FA, Alghamdi AA. Drug Repurposing for Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:12441. [PMID: 39596504 PMCID: PMC11595001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212441] [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: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer ranks among the primary contributors to global mortality. In 2022, the global incidence of new cancer cases reached about 20 million, while the number of cancer-related fatalities reached 9.7 million. In Saudi Arabia, there were 13,399 deaths caused by cancer and 28,113 newly diagnosed cases of cancer. Drug repurposing is a drug discovery strategy that has gained special attention and implementation to enhance the process of drug development due to its time- and money-saving effect. It involves repositioning existing medications to new clinical applications. Cancer treatment is a therapeutic area where drug repurposing has shown the most prominent impact. This review presents a compilation of medications that have been repurposed for the treatment of various types of cancers. It describes the initial therapeutic and pharmacological classes of the repurposed drugs and their new applications and mechanisms of action in cancer treatment. The review reports on drugs from various pharmacological classes that have been successfully repurposed for cancer treatment, including approved ones and those in clinical trials and preclinical development. It stratifies drugs based on their anticancer repurpose as multi-type, type-specific, and mechanism-directed, and according to their pharmacological classes. The review also reflects on the future potential that drug repurposing has in the clinical development of novel anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz H. Al Khzem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (N.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohamed S. Gomaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (N.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Mansour S. Alturki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (N.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Nada Tawfeeq
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (N.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammad Sarafroz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (N.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Shareefa M. Alonaizi
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (S.M.A.); (A.A.F.); (L.A.A.); (F.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Alhassan Al Faran
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (S.M.A.); (A.A.F.); (L.A.A.); (F.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Laela Ahmed Alrumaihi
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (S.M.A.); (A.A.F.); (L.A.A.); (F.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Fatimah Ahmed Alansari
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (S.M.A.); (A.A.F.); (L.A.A.); (F.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Abdullah Abbas Alghamdi
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; (S.M.A.); (A.A.F.); (L.A.A.); (F.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
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3
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Shirima CA, Bleotu C, Spandidos DA, El-Naggar AK, Pircalabioru GG, Michalopoulos I. Epithelial‑derived head and neck squamous tumourigenesis (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:141. [PMID: 39219259 PMCID: PMC11358675 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8800] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise from the mucosal epithelia cells in the head and neck areas, present great challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis due to their complex aetiology and various clinical manifestations. Several factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, oncogenic genes, growth factors, Epstein‑Barr virus and human papillomavirus infections can contribute to HNSCC development. The unpredictable tumour microenvironment adds to the complexity of managing HNSCC. Despite significant advances in therapies, the prediction of outcome after treatment for patients with HNSCC remains poor, and the 5‑year overall survival rate is low due to late diagnosis. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. The present review aimed to bring together the latest findings related to the molecular mechanisms of HNSCC carcinogenesis and progression. Comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, microbiome and proteomic analyses allow researchers to identify important biological markers such as genetic alterations, gene expression signatures and protein markers that drive HNSCC tumours. These biomarkers associated with the stages of initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer are useful in the management of patients with cancer in order to improve their life expectancy and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Adolfu Shirima
- Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Adel K. El-Naggar
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | | | - Ioannis Michalopoulos
- Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Dhas Y, Biswas N, M R D, Jones LD, Ashili S. Repurposing metabolic regulators: antidiabetic drugs as anticancer agents. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:40. [PMID: 39333445 PMCID: PMC11436690 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00204-z] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing in cancer taps into the capabilities of existing drugs, initially designed for other ailments, as potential cancer treatments. It offers several advantages over traditional drug discovery, including reduced costs, reduced development timelines, and a lower risk of adverse effects. However, not all drug classes align seamlessly with a patient's condition or long-term usage. Hence, repurposing of chronically used drugs presents a more attractive option. On the other hand, metabolic reprogramming being an important hallmark of cancer paves the metabolic regulators as possible cancer therapeutics. This review emphasizes the importance and offers current insights into the repurposing of antidiabetic drugs, including metformin, sulfonylureas, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), thiazolidinediones (TZD), and α-glucosidase inhibitors, against various types of cancers. Antidiabetic drugs, regulating metabolic pathways have gained considerable attention in cancer research. The literature reveals a complex relationship between antidiabetic drugs and cancer risk. Among the antidiabetic drugs, metformin may possess anti-cancer properties, potentially reducing cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and enhancing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, other antidiabetic drugs have revealed heterogeneous responses. Sulfonylureas and TZDs have not demonstrated consistent anti-cancer activity, while SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors have shown some potential benefits. GLP-1RAs have raised concerns due to possible associations with an increased risk of certain cancers. This review highlights that further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the potential anti-cancer effects of these drugs and to establish their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Dhas
- Rhenix Lifesciences, Hyderabad, 500038, Telangana, India
| | - Nupur Biswas
- Rhenix Lifesciences, Hyderabad, 500038, Telangana, India.
- CureScience, 5820 Oberlin Dr, Suite 202, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | | | - Lawrence D Jones
- CureScience, 5820 Oberlin Dr, Suite 202, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
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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; 82:1907-1929. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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NAGINI SIDDAVARAM, KALLAMADI PRATHAPREDDY, TANAGALA KRANTHIKIRANKISHORE, REDDY GEEREDDYBHANUPRAKASH. Aldo-keto reductases: Role in cancer development and theranostics. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1287-1308. [PMID: 39055885 PMCID: PMC11267078 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.049918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a superfamily of enzymes that play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including the metabolism of xenobiotics, steroids, and carbohydrates. A growing body of evidence has unveiled the involvement of AKRs in the development and progression of various cancers. AKRs are aberrantly expressed in a wide range of malignant tumors. Dysregulated expression of AKRs enables the acquisition of hallmark traits of cancer by activating oncogenic signaling pathways and contributing to chemoresistance. AKRs have emerged as promising oncotherapeutic targets given their pivotal role in cancer development and progression. Inhibition of aldose reductase (AR), either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, has evolved as a pragmatic therapeutic option for cancer. Several classes of synthetic aldo-keto reductase (AKR) inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents, some of which have shown promise in clinical trials. Many AKR inhibitors from natural sources also exhibit anticancer effects. Small molecule inhibitors targeting specific AKR isoforms have shown promise in preclinical studies. These inhibitors disrupt the activation of oncogenic signaling by modulating transcription factors and kinases and sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the physiological functions of human AKRs, the aberrant expression of AKRs in malignancies, the involvement of AKRs in the acquisition of cancer hallmarks, and the role of AKRs in oncogenic signaling, and drug resistance. Finally, the potential of aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) as anticancer drugs is summarized.
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Nikanjam M, Wells K, Kato S, Adashek JJ, Block S, Kurzrock R. Reverse repurposing: Potential utility of cancer drugs in nonmalignant illnesses. MED 2024; 5:689-717. [PMID: 38749442 PMCID: PMC11246816 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.04.008] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Growth and immune process dysregulation can result in both cancer and nonmalignant disease (hereditary or acquired, with and without predisposition to malignancy). Moreover, perhaps unexpectedly, many nonmalignant illnesses harbor genomic alterations indistinguishable from druggable oncogenic drivers. Therefore, targeted compounds used successfully to treat cancer may have therapeutic potential for nonmalignant conditions harboring the same target. MEK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and NRG1/ERBB pathway genes have all been implicated in both cancer and noncancerous conditions, and several cognate antagonists, as well as Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and CD20-directed antibodies, have established or theoretical therapeutic potential to bridge cancer and benign diseases. Intriguingly, pharmacologically tractable cancer drivers characterize a wide spectrum of disorders without malignant potential, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease and a variety of other neurodegenerative conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, achondroplastic dwarfism, and endometriosis. Expanded repositioning of oncology agents in order to benefit benign but serious medical illnesses is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nikanjam
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Kaitlyn Wells
- Department of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacob J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shanna Block
- Department of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA; WIN Consortium, Chevilly-Larue, France.
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Haddad N, Gamaethige SM, Wehida N, Elbediwy A. Drug Repurposing: Exploring Potential Anti-Cancer Strategies by Targeting Cancer Signalling Pathways. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:386. [PMID: 38927266 PMCID: PMC11200741 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The repurposing of previously clinically approved drugs as an alternative therapeutic approach to treating disease has gained significant attention in recent years. A multitude of studies have demonstrated various and successful therapeutic interventions with these drugs in a wide range of neoplastic diseases, including multiple myeloma, leukaemia, glioblastoma, and colon cancer. Drug repurposing has been widely encouraged due to the known efficacy, safety, and convenience of already established drugs, allowing the bypass of the long and difficult road of lead optimization and drug development. Repurposing drugs in cancer therapy is an exciting prospect due to the ability of these drugs to successfully target cancer-associated genes, often dysregulated in oncogenic signalling pathways, amongst which are the classical cancer signalling pathways; WNT (wingless-related integration type) and Hippo signalling. These pathways play a fundamental role in controlling organ size, tissue homeostasis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, all hallmarks of cancer initiation and progression. Prolonged dysregulation of these pathways has been found to promote uncontrolled cellular growth and malignant transformation, contributing to carcinogenesis and ultimately leading to malignancy. However, the translation of cancer signalling pathways and potential targeted therapies in cancer treatment faces ongoing challenges due to the pleiotropic nature of cancer cells, contributing to resistance and an increased rate of incomplete remission in patients. This review provides analyses of a range of potential anti-cancer compounds in drug repurposing. It unravels the current understanding of the molecular rationale for repurposing these drugs and their potential for targeting key oncogenic signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nadine Wehida
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ahmed Elbediwy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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Alodhaibi I, Ailawadhi S, Burbano GP, O'Brien PJ, Buadi FK, Hayman S, Kumar SK, Gonsalves WI. An Open-Label Phase I Study of Metformin and Nelfinavir in Combination With Bortezomib in Patients With Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2024; 24:298-304. [PMID: 38220589 PMCID: PMC11045312 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In preclinical models, combining a GLUT4 inhibitor with an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor shows synergistic therapeutic potential against multiple myeloma (MM). Thus, this study evaluated the safety and tolerability of repurposing metformin, a complex I inhibitor, and nelfinavir, a GLUT4 inhibitor, in combination with bortezomib for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM that had progressed on all standard of care therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS This trial utilized a 3 + 3 dose escalation design with 3 dose levels planned for up to a maximum of 6 (21-day) cycles. Metformin and nelfinavir were administered for 14 of 21 days, and subQ bortezomib was administered to a portion of patients on days 1, 8, and 15. The primary objective was to determine the maximal tolerated dose, and the secondary objective was to evaluate the safety and overall response rate (ORR) of this combination. RESULTS Nine patients were accrued with a median age of 65 (range: 42-81) and received a median of 7 prior lines of therapy (Range: 5-12). The first 3 patients received only metformin (500 mg BID) and nelfinavir (1250 mg BID) at the first dose level, with 1 patient experiencing an unconfirmed minimal response (MR) in the first cycle, 1 experiencing progressive disease after 1 cycle of treatment and 1 patient going off treatment prior to assessing response but with signs of progressive disease. Given the limited therapeutic activity, the upfront addition of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) was utilized for the subsequent 6 patients accrued. Three of these 6 patients went off study due to progressive disease, 1 patient achieved an unconfirmed partial response after 1 cycle of treatment but reported progressive disease in the subsequent cycle, 1 patient went off study to enter hospice, and the remaining patient experienced stable disease (SD) after receiving 6 cycles of clinical trial treatment. The study was closed before accrual to the next dose level was started. CONCLUSION This is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this repurposed drug combination in this very difficult-to-treat population of relapsed and refractory MM. This was an overall negative study with no ORR observed. Fortunately, 1 patient experienced an SD response, allowing this combination to stabilize their disease until another novel therapy on a clinical trial was available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alodhaibi
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Gabriel P Burbano
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Patrick J O'Brien
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Malla R, Viswanathan S, Makena S, Kapoor S, Verma D, Raju AA, Dunna M, Muniraj N. Revitalizing Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Role of Drug Repurposing. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1463. [PMID: 38672545 PMCID: PMC11048531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer persists as a global challenge necessitating continual innovation in treatment strategies. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the disease, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, exerting substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. The emergence of drug resistance further complicates therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, characterized by the utilization of existing drugs for novel clinical applications, emerges as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Repurposed drugs, comprising FDA-approved (in other disease indications), generic, off-patent, and failed medications, offer distinct advantages including established safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and expedited development timelines compared to novel drug discovery processes. Various methodologies, such as knowledge-based analyses, drug-centric strategies, and computational approaches, play pivotal roles in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. However, despite the promise of repurposed drugs, drug repositioning confronts formidable obstacles. Patenting issues, financial constraints associated with conducting extensive clinical trials, and the necessity for combination therapies to overcome the limitations of monotherapy pose significant challenges. This review provides an in-depth exploration of drug repurposing, covering a diverse array of approaches including experimental, re-engineering protein, nanotechnology, and computational methods. Each of these avenues presents distinct opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of identifying novel clinical uses for established drugs. By examining the multifaceted landscape of drug repurposing, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into its potential to transform cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sathiyapriya Viswanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600007, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Sree Makena
- Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Vizianagaram 535217, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Kapoor
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Deepak Verma
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | - Manikantha Dunna
- Center for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad 500085, Telangana, India
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, 111, Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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De Sousa-Coelho AL, Fraqueza G, Aureliano M. Repurposing Therapeutic Drugs Complexed to Vanadium in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:12. [PMID: 38275998 PMCID: PMC10819319 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Repurposing drugs by uncovering new indications for approved drugs accelerates the process of establishing new treatments and reduces the high costs of drug discovery and development. Metal complexes with clinically approved drugs allow further opportunities in cancer therapy-many vanadium compounds have previously shown antitumor effects, which makes vanadium a suitable metal to complex with therapeutic drugs, potentially improving their efficacy in cancer treatment. In this review, covering the last 25 years of research in the field, we identified non-oncology-approved drugs suitable as ligands to obtain different vanadium complexes. Metformin-decavanadate, vanadium-bisphosphonates, vanadyl(IV) complexes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and cetirizine and imidazole-based oxidovanadium(IV) complexes, each has a parent drug known to have different medicinal properties and therapeutic indications, and all showed potential as novel anticancer treatments. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of action for these vanadium compounds against cancer are still not fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Universidade do Algarve (ESSUAlg), 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Gil Fraqueza
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia (ISE), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Manuel Aureliano
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMar), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Kalinkin AI, Sigin VO, Kuznetsova EB, Ignatova EO, Vinogradov II, Vinogradov MI, Vinogradov IY, Zaletaev DV, Nemtsova MV, Kutsev SI, Tanas AS, Strelnikov VV. Epigenomic Profiling Advises Therapeutic Potential of Leukotriene Receptor Inhibitors for a Subset of Triple-Negative Breast Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17343. [PMID: 38139172 PMCID: PMC10743620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417343] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive molecular subtype, with a poor survival rate compared to others subtypes. For a long time, chemotherapy was the only systemic treatment for TNBC, and the identification of actionable molecular targets might ultimately improve the prognosis for TNBC patients. We performed a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation at CpG islands on a collection of one hundred ten breast carcinoma samples and six normal breast tissue samples using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing with the XmaI restriction enzyme (XmaI-RRBS) and identified a subset of TNBC samples with significant hypomethylation at the LTB4R/LTB4R2 genes' CpG islands, including CpG dinucleotides covered with cg12853742 and cg21886367 HumanMethylation 450K microarray probes. Abnormal DNA hypomethylation of this region in TNBC compared to normal samples was confirmed by bisulfite Sanger sequencing. Gene expression generally anticorrelates with promoter methylation, and thus, the promoter hypomethylation detected and confirmed in our study might be revealed as an indirect marker of high LTB4R/LTB4R2 expression using a simple methylation-sensitive PCR test. Analysis of RNA-seq expression and DNA methylation data from the TCGA dataset demonstrates that the expression of the LTB4R and LTB4R2 genes significantly negatively correlates with DNA methylation at both CpG sites cg12853742 (R = -0.4, p = 2.6 × 10-6; R = -0.21, p = 0.015) and cg21886367 (R = -0.45, p = 7.3 × 10-8; R = -0.24, p = 0.005), suggesting the upregulation of these genes in tumors with abnormal hypomethylation of their CpG island. Kaplan-Meier analysis using the TCGA-BRCA gene expression and clinical data revealed poorer overall survival for TNBC patients with an upregulated LTB4R. To this day, only the leukotriene inhibitor LY255283 has been tested on an MCF-7/DOX cell line, which is a luminal A breast cancer molecular subtype. Other studies compare the effects of Montelukast and Zafirlukast (inhibitors of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor, which is different from LTB4R/LTB4R2) on the MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) cell line, with high methylation and low expression levels of LTB4R. In our study, we assess the therapeutic effects of various drugs (including leukotriene receptor inhibitors) with the DepMap gene effect and drug sensitivity data for TNBC cell lines with hypomethylated and upregulated LTB4R/LTB4R2 genes. LY255283, Minocycline, Silibinin, Piceatannol, Mitiglinide, 1-Azakenpaullone, Carbetocin, and Pim-1-inhibitor-2 can be considered as candidates for the additional treatment of TNBC patients with tumors demonstrating LTB4R/LTB4R2 hypomethylation/upregulation. Finally, our results suggest that the epigenetic status of leukotriene B4 receptors is a novel, potential, predictive, and prognostic biomarker for TNBC. These findings might improve individualized therapy for TNBC patients by introducing new therapeutic adjuncts as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I. Kalinkin
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Vladimir O. Sigin
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Ekaterina B. Kuznetsova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina O. Ignatova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
- Nikolay Nikolaevich Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya I. Vinogradov
- Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary, 390011 Ryazan, Russia;
- Department of Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Medical Genetics, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia; (M.I.V.); (I.Y.V.)
| | - Maxim I. Vinogradov
- Department of Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Medical Genetics, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia; (M.I.V.); (I.Y.V.)
| | - Igor Y. Vinogradov
- Department of Histology, Pathological Anatomy and Medical Genetics, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia; (M.I.V.); (I.Y.V.)
| | - Dmitry V. Zaletaev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Marina V. Nemtsova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey I. Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Alexander S. Tanas
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
| | - Vladimir V. Strelnikov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (V.O.S.); (E.B.K.); (E.O.I.); (D.V.Z.); (M.V.N.); (S.I.K.); (A.S.T.); (V.V.S.)
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