How do repurposed drugs work against cancer?

Repurposed drugs in cancer treatment refer to medications originally developed for other conditions but found to have potential anti-cancer properties. The concept is attractive because these drugs are already approved for human use, so their safety profiles are well understood, which can significantly shorten the time and reduce the cost of developing new cancer therapies.

How Repurposed Drugs Work Against Cancer

• Targeting Cancer Hallmarks: These drugs can interfere with critical processes that cancer cells rely on, such as sustaining proliferative signaling, resisting cell death, and inducing angiogenesis. They may also impact the tumor microenvironment, which is crucial for cancer growth and spread.
• Combination Therapies: Due to the complexity of cancer, repurposed drugs are often used alongside other treatments to attack multiple pathways at once. This can be more effective than using a single drug, particularly in overcoming cancer’s resistance mechanisms.
• Precision Oncology: Repurposed drugs can be part of personalized treatment strategies, selected based on the specific molecular profile of a patient’s cancer, which allows for more targeted and effective therapies.

Effectiveness Compared to Traditional Therapies

• Cost and Time Efficiency: Repurposed drugs can reach the market more quickly and cheaply than new drugs, making them an appealing option for introducing new treatments rapidly.
• Clinical Efficacy: While these drugs may be less potent on their own compared to traditional cancer therapies, they can be highly effective in combination treatments, enhancing overall therapeutic outcomes.