Drug repurposing for cancer therapy

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.

Recent advanced lipid-based nanomedicines for overcoming cancer resistance

“…Robust studies confirm the significant progress of lipid-based nanomaterials in improving drug delivery, synergizing therapeutic effects, and overcoming drug resistance. Lipid-based nanomaterials can unlock the advanced applications of potent anticancer agents derived from various natural substances by delivering the phytochemicals, which are often restricted to their limited solubility, to the targeted organs [143] . Lipid-based nanomaterials enable additional administration routes to increase therapeutic effects and enhance patient compliance, thereby enabling personalized treatment options.…”

“…Besides investigating novel cytotoxic agents, there is considerable focus on the identification of new indications for existing clinically approved drugs or repurposing them for cancer therapy. Theoretically, repurposed drugs may help shorten the time required for the research and development process and significantly reduce resistance to current therapeutic regimens [ 61 , 144 ] . Utilization of lipid-based nanomaterials will make the repurposed drug more efficient and safe.…”

Cytotoxic Effects of Doxorubicin on Cancer Cells and Macrophages Depend Differently on the Microcarrier Structure

“…Thus, the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in tumor development and drug resistance [2][3][4][5]. Therefore, chemotherapy, one of the most effective treatments, has a number of inherent drawbacks and limitations, with low selectivity of the drugs toward cancer cells being the most critical of them [6,7]. The development of controlled and targeted antitumor-drug delivery systems is one of the challenges of personalized cancer therapy.…”

In silico exploration of anti-prostate cancer compounds from differential expressed genes

“…These methods leverage advanced algorithms, machine learning, and big data analytics to accelerate and refine the drug development process. Key computational approaches include virtual screening and molecular docking, pharmacophore modeling, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, genomic and proteomic data integration, artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning in clinical trials, and drug repurposing [ 19 , 20 ]. The integration of advanced computational methods into PCa research is accelerating the discovery of new treatments and the repurposing of existing drugs.…”