Repurposed drugs are medications initially designed for treating non-cancerous conditions that have unexpectedly shown promise in combating cancer. These are inexpensive, effective, and established therapies that can be leveraged for their anti-cancer properties and enhance the effects of other treatments.
These medications are part of our toolkit at the Cancer Center for Healing. While many different options exist, this is a short list of a few I like to use in my practice. These drugs have shown significant potential in combating cancer due to their unique mechanisms of action.
Benefits of Using Repurposed Drugs:
- Since these drugs are already approved and in use for other conditions, the cost of development and regulatory approval is significantly reduced.
- The safety and side effect profiles of repurposed drugs are well-documented, which can expedite their use in cancer treatment.
- With existing clinical experience and approval, these drugs can be quickly integrated into cancer treatment regimens.
- Repurposed drugs often work through different mechanisms, providing additional options for targeting cancer cells and potentially overcoming resistance to current therapies.
Mechanism: Doxycycline is an antibiotic with additional anti-cancer properties. It works primarily by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that cancer cells use to break down surrounding tissues. This helps them spread and invade into other areas of the body. Doxycycline also prevents angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, by blocking the substances that tumors need to create their own blood supply.
This can help shrink tumors, prevent cancer from spreading, and increase the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.
Mechanism: Naltrexone is a medication originally used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. When used in small doses, called low-dose naltrexone (LDN), it can be a powerful anti-cancer tool.
LDN blocks the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr), which is involved in cancer cell survival and growth. By inhibiting this receptor, LDN slows down tumor growth and enhances the body’s natural defenses against cancer. LDN also supports healthy immune function, helping the body better detect and respond to cancer cells.
Studies have shown the drug works effectively alongside other treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, potentially improving their results.
Mechanism: Ivermectin, originally developed as an anti-parasitic medication, also has shown promising anti-cancer properties.
It can inhibit the growth of cancer cells by blocking specific pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation and survival. Ivermectin also induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death, by affecting mitochondrial function and increasing oxidative stress within cancer cells. It has been shown to significantly inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread, and can modulate the immune response enhancing the body’s ability to fight cancer.
Mechanism: Hydroxychloroquine, originally used to treat malaria, also has promising anti-cancer properties. It works primarily by inhibiting autophagy, a process where cells digest and recycle their own components. Cancer cells often rely on autophagy to survive in the harsh conditions of a tumor, including during chemotherapy and radiation. By blocking this process, hydroxychloroquine can make tumor cells more vulnerable to these treatments.
Hydroxychloroquine also interferes with the tumor’s ability to form new blood vessels, inhibiting its growth and spread and promotes healthy immune function. When combined with other treatments, hydroxychloroquine can enhance their effectiveness, leading to improved outcomes for patients.
Mechanism: Cyproheptadine, an antihistamine, has been shown to prevent tumor growth. It blocks histamine receptors, specifically H1, which are known to promote cancer cell proliferation. The drug helps to reduce inflammation and angiogenesis, both of which are necessary for tumors to survive.
Cyproheptadine is also a powerful anti-serotonin agent. Elevated serotonin promotes metastasis, raises stress hormones, changes cells’ metabolism, and regulates the production of estrogen, all important factors in cancer development. By blocking serotonin receptors, cyproheptadine disrupts these cancer-promoting effects.
The use of repurposed drugs highlights the importance of keeping an open mind in medical practice and research. For many years, aspirin was discredited as an anti-cancer tool, but today, new research continually proves its effectiveness as an anti-cancer therapy. Open-mindedness and a willingness to explore unconventional approaches can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment. Only the open minded will win. 💪