Overcoming Therapy Resistance in Colon Cancer by Drug Repurposing

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Despite improvement in standardized screening methods and the development of promising therapies, the 5-year survival rates are as low as 10% in the metastatic setting. The increasing life expectancy of the general population, higher rates of obesity, poor diet, and comorbidities contribute to the increasing trends in incidence. Drug repurposing offers an affordable solution to achieve new indications for previously approved drugs that could play a protagonist or adjuvant role in the treatment of CRC with the advantage of treating underlying comorbidities and decreasing chemotherapy toxicity. This review elaborates on the current data that supports drug repurposing as a feasible option for patients with CRC with a focus on the evidence and mechanism of action promising repurposed candidates that are widely used, including but not limited to anti-malarial, anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic agents.

Thymoquinone Potentially Modulates the Expression of Key Onco- and Tumor Suppressor miRNAs in Prostate and Colon Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from PC3 and HCT-15 Cells

“…This cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in males and females, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths [ 6 , 7 ]. The number of CRC cases is expected to double globally in the following decades, reaching an estimated 2.5 million new cases globally in 2035 [ 8 ], with the most remarkable rise seen in less developed countries [ 9 ]. The cancer burden has risen in developed and developing nations over the years due to complex factors, including the aging and growth of populations, the acceleration of socioeconomic development, and shifts in the prevalence of risk factors [ 10 ].…”

“…The cancer burden has risen in developed and developing nations over the years due to complex factors, including the aging and growth of populations, the acceleration of socioeconomic development, and shifts in the prevalence of risk factors [ 10 ]. Moreover, a growing occurrence of CRC among younger individuals is likely related to unhealthy dietary habits, inadequate physical activity, and elevated obesity rates [ 8 , 11 ].…”

Recent advances in nanomedicine preparative methods and their therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer: a critical review

“…In many cases, a cancerous growth called colorectal cancer (CRC) can be found in the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, CRC is the third leading cause of death in the globe ( 1 ). Around a quarter of all cancer cases are due to CRC, making it one of the most common malignancies.…”

“…The morphology and structure of these two kinds are vastly different. A dense polymeric matrix makes up nanospheres, whereas a polymeric membrane encloses the core of nano capsules ( 1 ).. By acting as a unique carrier for biomacromolecules, nanoparticles can enhance ingestion and absorption of insoluble medications and targeted release pharmaceuticals, as well as achieve precisely focused therapy ( 26 ).. Antitumor medications can be delivered to specific tumours using this method in a variety of ways, including passive and active targeting ( 27 ). Passive targeting indicates that the nano DDS can efficiently accumulate in the tumor depending on the physiological and pathological properties of the tumor location and the nature of the nano delivery system ( 23 ).…”

lncRNA VLDLR-AS1 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer in Patients from East Azerbaijan Province, Iran

“…Despite improvements in traditional screening methods and the development of promising medications, the survival rates for CRC remain low. The increased incidence is ascribed to illnesses, poor diet, and obesity (5).…”