Drug Repurposing Strategies in Oncology

Drug Repurposing in Cancer Treatment

Discovering New Uses for Existing Clinically Approved Drugs

Drug repurposing involves discovering new uses for existing, clinically approved drugs. This approach offers several key advantages in cancer treatment, as repurposed drugs are generally affordable and have established safety records. Always consult a healthcare professional. For informational and research purposes only. Please refer to the Safe Use page for more critical safety information.

Comprehensive Drug Repurposing Portfolio

Phenylbutyrate

Original Use: Urea cycle disorders
Mechanism: HDAC inhibitor and PDK1 inhibitor
Action: Depletes glutamine in cancer cells, induces cellular differentiation, and enhances chemotherapy effectiveness

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Niclosamide

Original Use: Anti-parasitic
Mechanism: Inhibits Wnt/β-catenin pathway, STAT3, and suppresses RAS
Action: Reduces cancer cell proliferation and increases apoptosis.

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Ivermectin

Original Use: Anti-parasitic
Mechanism: Inhibits β-catenin/EGFR/ERK/Akt/NF-κB pathways
Action: Inhibits tumor growth and reverses drug resistance.

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Metformin

Original Use: Diabetes medication
Mechanism: Activates AMPK, inhibits mitochondrial respiration
Action: Limits glucose availability to cancer cells and enhances therapy efficacy.

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Itraconazole

Original Use: Antifungal
Mechanism: Inhibits tumor angiogenesis and targets cancer stem cells
Action: Particularly effective in ovarian cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors.

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Mebendazole

Original Use: Antiparasitic
Mechanism: Targets multiple cancer-associated pathways
Action: Overcomes drug resistance, particularly effective in ovarian and thyroid cancers.

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Fenbendazole

Original Use: Antiparasitic
Mechanism: Inhibits tumor growth and enhances immune response
Action: Enhances immune cell-mediated tumor killing.

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Orlistat

Original Use: Weight loss medication
Mechanism: Inhibits fatty acid synthase (FASN)
Action: Reduces cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in pancreatic and breast cancer.

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Disulfiram

Original Use: Alcohol dependence treatment
Mechanism: Inhibits proteasome and ALDH, disrupts metal homeostasis
Action: Induces oxidative stress and modulates tumor immune microenvironment.

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Fexofenadine

Original Use:Anti-histamine
Mechanism: Selective H1-antagonist
Action: Acts by selectively antagonizing H1 receptors on cell surfaces across various organ systems, thereby affecting inflammatory mediators.

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Additional Repurposed Agents

Aspirin
Anti-inflammatory drug reducing cancer growth by targeting inflammation, stimulating T-cell proliferation, and inhibiting metastasis.

Tamoxifen
SERM for breast cancer with efficacy in glioma and melanoma. Synergizes with melatonin.

Chloroquine
Antimalarial drug inhibiting autophagy in cancer cells, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Rapamycin
mTOR inhibitor preventing cancer cell growth and proliferation.

Propranolol
Beta-blocker inhibiting angiogenesis and targeting triple-negative breast cancer.

Low Dose Naltrexone
Modulates immune system and gene expression, potentially slowing cancer progression.

Celecoxib
NSAID inducing apoptosis via COX-2 inhibition, synergizes with curcumin and aspirin.

Acetazolamide
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor limiting tumor growth by reducing pH and affecting metabolism.

Pantoprazole
PPI altering tumor microenvironment acidity and improving chemotherapy efficacy.

Amiloride
Diuretic selectively targeting breast cancer cells by inhibiting survival pathways.

Methylene Blue
Promotes mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits lactic acid production.

Doxycycline
Antibiotic reversing EMT and inhibiting metastasis in melanoma and lung cancer.

Azithromycin
Inhibits autophagy, enhances chemo/radiotherapy susceptibility, reverses drug resistance.

Diclofenac
Common painkiller and anti-inflammatory with significant anti-cancer properties.

Research Resources

Comprehensive Spreadsheet Analysis

✅ Identify high-impact substances and combinations

✅ Explore a wide range of synergistic interactions, including 21 for mebendazole, 30 for ivermectin, 31 for curcumin, 32 for EGCG, 33 for metformin, 34 for honokiol, and many others

✅ Target key cancer processes, including metabolism, signaling, inflammation, and detox pathways

✅ Implement ammonia clearance and advanced detox strategies

✅ Save hundreds of hours combing through fragmented research

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References

1. Pantziarka Pan, Verbaanderd Ciska, Sukhatme Vidula, Capistrano Rica, Crispino Sergio, Gyawali Bishal, Rooman Ilse, Van Nuffel An MT, Meheus Lydie, Sukhatme Vikas P and Bouche Gauthier (2018) ReDO_DB: the repurposing drugs in oncology database ecancer 12 886

2. ReDO Database: Repurposing Drugs in Oncology - Anticancer Fund

⚠️ Important Information: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific research but is not medical advice. These repurposed drugs can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before considering any treatment, particularly for serious conditions like cancer. Repurposed drugs should never replace conventional cancer treatment unless under the guidance of qualified oncologists.

Last updated: September 2025