Drug Repositioning Proves Effective in Preventing Brain Cancer, Study Finds
Drug repositioning, the practice of finding new uses for existing drugs, has proven to be a cost-saving and effective strategy in the field of research and clinical practice. Particularly during the pandemic, drug repositioning has gained attention due to shortages and delays in obtaining new medications.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have recently demonstrated the effectiveness of two types of medications typically used to treat type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol in protecting against primary brain cancer and cancer metastasis. The study, conducted using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, analyzed data from over 2,000 GPs and more than 670 practices across the UK.
The research identified that patients who took the medications, known as glitazones and fibrates, for a prolonged period had a lower risk of their cancer metastasizing to the brain. “If our research is validated in larger studies and trials, these drugs could be reused to prevent brain metastasis in cancer patients who are at high risk of secondary cancers, such as breast and lung cancer,” said professor of Clinical Epidemiology at Bristol Medical School Yoav Ben-Shlomo.
The study also suggested that if the association with glitazones is biologically causal, it could lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapies for the prevention of brain cancers. The researchers are looking forward to potentially testing this hypothesis in a future double-blind clinical trial if stronger evidence emerges from other studies.
This novel use of existing medications showcases the potential of drug repositioning in discovering new and promising options for disease prevention and treatment.