Drug repurposing for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research

Claudia Abbruzzese¹  Marco G. Paggi¹  Silvia Matteoni¹  Luca Cardone²  Jerry D. Glickson³  Kavindra Nath³  Michele Signore⁴ 

[1] Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Unit of Cellular Networks and Therapeutic Targets, Proteomics Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS;Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Unit of Cellular Networks and Therapeutic Targets, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS;Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine;RPPA Unit, Proteomics Area, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità;

关键词: Drug repurposing;    Drug repositioning;    Glioblastoma multiforme;    Cancer treatment;    High-throughput technologies;    Signal transduction, Energy metabolism;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13046-017-0642-x

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Glioblastoma Multiforme is the deadliest type of brain tumor and is characterized by very poor prognosis with a limited overall survival. Current optimal therapeutic approach has essentially remained unchanged for more than a decade, consisting in maximal surgical resection followed by radiotherapy plus temozolomide. Main body Such a dismal patient outcome represents a compelling need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches. Given the development of new drugs is a process presently characterized by an immense increase in costs and development time, drug repositioning, finding new uses for existing approved drugs or drug repurposing, re-use of old drugs when novel molecular findings make them attractive again, are gaining significance in clinical pharmacology, since it allows faster and less expensive delivery of potentially useful drugs from the bench to the bedside. This is quite evident in glioblastoma, where a number of old drugs is now considered for clinical use, often in association with the first-line therapeutic intervention. Interestingly, most of these medications are, or have been, widely employed for decades in non-neoplastic pathologies without relevant side effects. Now, the refinement of their molecular mechanism(s) of action through up-to-date technologies is paving the way for their use in the therapeutic approach of glioblastoma as well as other cancer types. Short conclusion The spiraling costs of new antineoplastic drugs and the long time required for them to reach the market demands a profoundly different approach to keep lifesaving therapies affordable for cancer patients. In this context, repurposing can represent a relatively inexpensive, safe and fast approach to glioblastoma treatment. To this end, pros and cons must be accurately considered.

【 授权许可】

Unknown