1
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Blatt J, Brondon JE, Nieman EL, Phillips K, Pandya A. Repurposing of antiangiogenic agents for treatment of vascular anomalies. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108520. [PMID: 37625520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Vascular anomalies (VA) are developmental anomalies of veins, arteries, lymphatics or capillaries thought to be caused by mutations in genes that drive angiogenesis. Treatments targeting these genes are limited. We review the literature for conventional medications and products from traditional medicine cultures that have been found to have antiangiogenic activity. Fewer than 50 drugs with credible human activity in VA were identified and include β blockers, monoclonal antibodies, microtubule inhibitors, multi-kinase inhibitors, PIK3CA- and RAS-MAPK pathway inhibitors, and thalidomides. Other drug categories of potential interest are ACE-inhibitors, antifungals, antimalarials, MMP9-inhibitors, and over-the-counter compounds used in Eastern traditional medicine. Low toxicity for some offers the possibility of combined use with known effective agents. In addition to already familiar drugs, others with antiangiogenic capabilities already in use in children or adults may deserve further attention for repurposing for VA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Blatt
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, and the Lineberger Clinical Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jennifer E Brondon
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, and the Lineberger Clinical Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Nieman
- Department of Dermatology, Univerity of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kynlon Phillips
- The Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Arti Pandya
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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2
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Sinenko IL, Turnell-Ritson RC, Munier FL, Dyson PJ. The predictive capacity of in vitro preclinical models to evaluate drugs for the treatment of retinoblastoma. Exp Eye Res 2023; 230:109447. [PMID: 36940901 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer of the eye. Of the small number of drugs are used to treat retinoblastoma, all have been repurposed from drugs developed for other conditions. In order to find drugs or drug combinations better suited to the improved treatment of retinoblastoma, reliable predictive models are required, which facilitate the challenging transition from in vitro studies to clinical trials. In this review, the research performed to date on the development of 2D and 3D in vitro models for retinoblastoma is presented. Most of this research was undertaken with a view to better biological understanding of retinoblastoma, and we discuss the potential for these models to be applied to drug screening. Future research directions for streamlined drug discovery are considered and evaluated, and many promising avenues identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina L Sinenko
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fedérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland; Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, CH-1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roland C Turnell-Ritson
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fedérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francis L Munier
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, CH-1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fedérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Jain P, Jain SK, Jain M. Harnessing Drug Repurposing for Exploration of New Diseases: An Insight to Strategies and Case Studies. Curr Mol Med 2021; 21:111-132. [PMID: 32560606 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666200619125404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional drug discovery is time consuming, costly, and risky process. Owing to the large investment, excessive attrition, and declined output, drug repurposing has become a blooming approach for the identification and development of new therapeutics. The method has gained momentum in the past few years and has resulted in many excellent discoveries. Industries are resurrecting the failed and shelved drugs to save time and cost. The process accounts for approximately 30% of the new US Food and Drug Administration approved drugs and vaccines in recent years. METHODS A systematic literature search using appropriate keywords were made to identify articles discussing the different strategies being adopted for repurposing and various drugs that have been/are being repurposed. RESULTS This review aims to describe the comprehensive data about the various strategies (Blinded search, computational approaches, and experimental approaches) used for the repurposing along with success case studies (treatment for orphan diseases, neglected tropical disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and drugs for pediatric population). It also inculcates an elaborated list of more than 100 drugs that have been repositioned, approaches adopted, and their present clinical status. We have also attempted to incorporate the different databases used for computational repurposing. CONCLUSION The data presented is proof that drug repurposing is a prolific approach circumventing the issues poised by conventional drug discovery approaches. It is a highly promising approach and when combined with sophisticated computational tools, it also carries high precision. The review would help researches in prioritizing the drugrepositioning method much needed to flourish the drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, Dhule (425405) Maharashtra, India
| | - Shreyans K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Munendra Jain
- SVKM's Department of Sciences, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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4
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Bernauer C, Man YKS, Chisholm JC, Lepicard EY, Robinson SP, Shipley JM. Hypoxia and its therapeutic possibilities in paediatric cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:539-551. [PMID: 33106581 PMCID: PMC7851391 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In tumours, hypoxia-a condition in which the demand for oxygen is higher than its availability-is well known to be associated with reduced sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and with immunosuppression. The consequences of hypoxia on tumour biology and patient outcomes have therefore led to the investigation of strategies that can alleviate hypoxia in cancer cells, with the aim of sensitising cells to treatments. An alternative therapeutic approach involves the design of prodrugs that are activated by hypoxic cells. Increasing evidence indicates that hypoxia is not just clinically significant in adult cancers but also in paediatric cancers. We evaluate relevant methods to assess the levels and extent of hypoxia in childhood cancers, including novel imaging strategies such as oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Preclinical and clinical evidence largely supports the use of hypoxia-targeting drugs in children, and we describe the critical need to identify robust predictive biomarkers for the use of such drugs in future paediatric clinical trials. Ultimately, a more personalised approach to treatment that includes targeting hypoxic tumour cells might improve outcomes in subgroups of paediatric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bernauer
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Y K Stella Man
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Julia C Chisholm
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
- Sarcoma Clinical Trials in Children and Young People Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Elise Y Lepicard
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon P Robinson
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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5
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Montalvo-Casimiro M, González-Barrios R, Meraz-Rodriguez MA, Juárez-González VT, Arriaga-Canon C, Herrera LA. Epidrug Repurposing: Discovering New Faces of Old Acquaintances in Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2020; 10:605386. [PMID: 33312959 PMCID: PMC7708379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.605386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene mutations are strongly associated with tumor progression and are well known in cancer development. However, recently discovered epigenetic alterations have shown the potential to greatly influence tumoral response to therapy regimens. Such epigenetic alterations have proven to be dynamic, and thus could be restored. Due to their reversible nature, the promising opportunity to improve chemotherapy response using epigenetic therapy has arisen. Beyond helping to understand the biology of the disease, the use of modern clinical epigenetics is being incorporated into the management of the cancer patient. Potential epidrug candidates can be found through a process known as drug repositioning or repurposing, a promising strategy for the discovery of novel potential targets in already approved drugs. At present, novel epidrug candidates have been identified in preclinical studies and some others are currently being tested in clinical trials, ready to be repositioned. This epidrug repurposing could circumvent the classic paradigm where the main focus is the development of agents with one indication only, while giving patients lower cost therapies and a novel precision medical approach to optimize treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. This review focuses on the main approved epidrugs, and their druggable targets, that are currently being used in cancer therapy. Also, we highlight the importance of epidrug repurposing by the rediscovery of known chemical entities that may enhance epigenetic therapy in cancer, contributing to the development of precision medicine in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Montalvo-Casimiro
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Antonio Meraz-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Cristian Arriaga-Canon
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis A. Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
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6
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Verbaanderd C, Rooman I, Meheus L, Huys I. On-Label or Off-Label? Overcoming Regulatory and Financial Barriers to Bring Repurposed Medicines to Cancer Patients. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1664. [PMID: 32076405 PMCID: PMC7006723 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Repurposing of medicines has gained a lot of interest from the research community in recent years as it could offer safe, timely, and affordable new treatment options for cancer patients with high unmet needs. Increasingly, questions arise on how new uses will be translated into clinical practice, especially in case of marketed medicinal products that are out of basic patent or regulatory protection. The aim of this study was to portray the regulatory framework relevant for making repurposed medicines available to cancer patients in Europe and propose specific policy recommendations to address the current regulatory and financial barriers. We outlined two routes relevant to the clinical adoption of a repurposed medicine. First, a new indication can be approved, and thus brought on-label, via the marketing authorization procedures established in European and national legislation. Such procedures initiate a detailed and independent assessment of the quality and the benefit-risk balance of a medicinal product in a specific indication, benefiting both prescribers and patients as it reassures them that the scientific evidence is robust. However, the process of marketing authorization for new therapeutic indications entails a high administrative burden and significant costs while the return-on-investment for the pharmaceutical industry is expected to be low or absent for medicines that are out of basic patent and regulatory protection. Moreover, most of the repurposing research is conducted by independent or academic researchers who do not have the expertise or resources to get involved in regulatory procedures. A second option is to prescribe a medicine off-label for the new indication, which is managed at the national level in Europe. While off-label use could provide timely access to treatments for patients with urgent medical needs, it also entails important safety, liability and financial risks for patients, physicians, and society at large. In view of that, we recommend finding solutions to facilitate bringing new uses on-label, for example by developing a collaborative framework between not-for-profit and academic organizations, pharmaceutical industry, health technology assessment bodies, payers, and regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciska Verbaanderd
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Anticancer Fund, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Anticancer Fund, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium.,Oncology Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Isabelle Huys
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Kim U, Kim CY, Lee JM, Ryu B, Kim J, Shin C, Park JH. Pimozide Inhibits the Human Prostate Cancer Cells Through the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1517. [PMID: 32009948 PMCID: PMC6976539 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration-approved antipsychotic drug, pimozide, has anticancer activities. However, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in its effect on prostate cancer is not well-known. We examined cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, ROS production, and the expression of antioxidant-related genes after treatment of human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells with pimozide. In addition, histopathology, ROS production, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were analyzed after administering pimozide to TRAMP, a transgenic mouse with prostate cancer. Pimozide increased the generation of ROS in both cell lines and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Oxidative stress induced by pimozide caused changes in the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, peroxiredoxin 6, and glutathione peroxidase 2) and CISD2. Co-treatment with glutathione, an antioxidant, reduced pimozide-induced ROS levels, and counteracted the inhibition of cell proliferation. Administration of pimozide to TRAMP mice reduced the progression of prostate cancer with increased ROS generation and decreased SOD activity. These results suggest that the antipsychotic drug, pimozide, has beneficial effects in prostate cancer in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism of pimozide may be related to augmenting ROS generation. We recommend pimozide as a promising anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukjin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Lee
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bokyeong Ryu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Changsoo Shin
- Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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8
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Serendipitous drug repurposing through social media. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1321-1323. [PMID: 31102729 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Sidarovich V, De Mariano M, Aveic S, Pancher M, Adami V, Gatto P, Pizzini S, Pasini L, Croce M, Parodi F, Cimmino F, Avitabile M, Emionite L, Cilli M, Ferrini S, Pagano A, Capasso M, Quattrone A, Tonini GP, Longo L. A High-Content Screening of Anticancer Compounds Suggests the Multiple Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Ponatinib for Repurposing in Neuroblastoma Therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1405-1415. [PMID: 29695637 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Novel druggable targets have been discovered in neuroblastoma (NB), paving the way for more effective treatments. However, children with high-risk NB still show high mortality rates prompting for a search of novel therapeutic options. Here, we aimed at repurposing FDA-approved drugs for NB treatment by performing a high-content screening of a 349 anticancer compounds library. In the primary screening, we employed three NB cell lines, grown as three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids, which were treated with 10 μmol/L of the library compounds for 72 hours. The viability of 3D spheroids was evaluated using a high-content imaging approach, resulting in a primary hit list of 193 compounds. We selected 60 FDA-approved molecules and prioritized drugs with multi-target activity, discarding those already in use for NB treatment or enrolled in NB clinical trials. Hence, 20 drugs were further tested for their efficacy in inhibiting NB cell viability, both in two-dimensional and 3D models. Dose-response curves were then supplemented with the data on side effects, therapeutic index, and molecular targets, suggesting two multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, ponatinib and axitinib, as promising candidates for repositioning in NB. Indeed, both drugs showed induction of cell-cycle block and apoptosis, as well as inhibition of colony formation. However, only ponatinib consistently affected migration and inhibited invasion of NB cells. Finally, ponatinib also proved effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic NB mice, providing the rationale for its repurposing in NB therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1405-15. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanja Aveic
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Michael Pancher
- High Throughput Screening Core Facility, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- High Throughput Screening Core Facility, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Pamela Gatto
- High Throughput Screening Core Facility, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Silvia Pizzini
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luigi Pasini
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michela Croce
- UOC Bioterapie, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Parodi
- UOC Bioterapie, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Flora Cimmino
- University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marianna Avitabile
- University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- UOC Bioterapie, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Capasso
- University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy.,IRCCS SDN, Istituto di Ricerca Diagnostica e Nucleare, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Gian Paolo Tonini
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Longo
- UOC Bioterapie, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
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10
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Shen M, Asawa R, Zhang YQ, Cunningham E, Sun H, Tropsha A, Janzen WP, Muratov EN, Capuzzi SJ, Farag S, Jadhav A, Blatt J, Simeonov A, Martinez NJ. Quantitative high-throughput phenotypic screening of pediatric cancer cell lines identifies multiple opportunities for drug repurposing. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4758-4772. [PMID: 29435139 PMCID: PMC5797010 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing approaches have the potential advantage of facilitating rapid and cost-effective development of new therapies. Particularly, the repurposing of drugs with known safety profiles in children could bypass or streamline toxicity studies. We employed a phenotypic screening paradigm on a panel of well-characterized cell lines derived from pediatric solid tumors against a collection of ∼3,800 compounds spanning approved drugs and investigational agents. Specifically, we employed titration-based screening where compounds were tested at multiple concentrations for their effect on cell viability. Molecular and cellular target enrichment analysis indicated that numerous agents across different therapeutic categories and modes of action had an antiproliferative effect, notably antiparasitic/protozoal drugs with non-classic antineoplastic activity. Focusing on active compounds with dosing and safety information in children according to the Children's Pharmacy Collaborative database, we identified compounds with therapeutic potential through further validation using 3D tumor spheroid models. Moreover, we show that antiparasitic agents induce cell death via apoptosis induction. This study demonstrates that our screening platform enables the identification of chemical agents with cytotoxic activity in pediatric cancer cell lines of which many have known safety/toxicity profiles in children. These agents constitute attractive candidates for efficacy studies in pre-clinical models of pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rosita Asawa
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ya-Qin Zhang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cunningham
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hongmao Sun
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Eugene N Muratov
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephen J Capuzzi
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sherif Farag
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ajit Jadhav
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Julie Blatt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Natalia J Martinez
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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11
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Delavan B, Roberts R, Huang R, Bao W, Tong W, Liu Z. Computational drug repositioning for rare diseases in the era of precision medicine. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:382-394. [PMID: 29055182 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are tremendous unmet needs in drug development for rare diseases. Computational drug repositioning is a promising approach and has been successfully applied to the development of treatments for diseases. However, how to utilize this knowledge and effectively conduct and implement computational drug repositioning approaches for rare disease therapies is still an open issue. Here, we focus on the means of utilizing accumulated genomic data for accelerating and facilitating drug repositioning for rare diseases. First, we summarize the current genome landscape of rare diseases. Second, we propose several promising bioinformatics approaches and pipelines for computational drug repositioning for rare diseases. Finally, we discuss recent regulatory incentives and other enablers in rare disease drug development and outline the remaining challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Delavan
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA; University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Ruth Roberts
- ApconiX, BioHub at Alderley Park, Alderley Edge SK10 4TG, UK; University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ruili Huang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | | | - Weida Tong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Zhichao Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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12
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Chen JJ, Cai N, Chen GZ, Jia CC, Qiu DB, Du C, Liu W, Yang Y, Long ZJ, Zhang Q. The neuroleptic drug pimozide inhibits stem-like cell maintenance and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17593-17609. [PMID: 26061710 PMCID: PMC5392272 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is currently an important approach for accelerating drug discovery and development for clinical use. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents drug resistance to chemotherapy, and the prognosis is poor due to the existence of liver cancer stem-like cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of the neuroleptic agent pimozide to inhibit stem-like cell maintenance and tumorigenicity in HCC. Our results showed that pimozide functioned as an anti-cancer drug in HCC cells or stem-like cells. Pimozide inhibited cell proliferation and sphere formation capacities in HCC cells by inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, as well as inhibited HCC cell migration. Surprisingly, pimozide inhibited the maintenance and tumorigenicity of HCC stem-like cells, particularly the side population (SP) or CD133-positive cells, as evaluated by colony formation, sphere formation and transwell migration assays. Furthermore, pimozide was found to suppress STAT3 activity in HCC cells by attenuating STAT3-dependent luciferase activity and down-regulating the transcription levels of downstream genes of STAT3 signaling. Moreover, pimozide reversed the stem-like cell tumorigenic phenotypes induced by IL-6 treatment in HCC cells. Further, the antitumor effect of pimozide was also proved in the nude mice HCC xenograft model. In short, the anti-psychotic agent pimozide may act as a novel potential anti-tumor agent in treating advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jie Chen
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Cai
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Zhong Chen
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Chang Jia
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Bo Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Du
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Jie Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Organ Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Vaccine Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Salazar BM, Balczewski EA, Ung CY, Zhu S. Neuroblastoma, a Paradigm for Big Data Science in Pediatric Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:E37. [PMID: 28035989 PMCID: PMC5297672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric cancers rarely exhibit recurrent mutational events when compared to most adult cancers. This poses a challenge in understanding how cancers initiate, progress, and metastasize in early childhood. Also, due to limited detected driver mutations, it is difficult to benchmark key genes for drug development. In this review, we use neuroblastoma, a pediatric solid tumor of neural crest origin, as a paradigm for exploring "big data" applications in pediatric oncology. Computational strategies derived from big data science-network- and machine learning-based modeling and drug repositioning-hold the promise of shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms driving neuroblastoma pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutics to combat this devastating disease. These strategies integrate robust data input, from genomic and transcriptomic studies, clinical data, and in vivo and in vitro experimental models specific to neuroblastoma and other types of cancers that closely mimic its biological characteristics. We discuss contexts in which "big data" and computational approaches, especially network-based modeling, may advance neuroblastoma research, describe currently available data and resources, and propose future models of strategic data collection and analyses for neuroblastoma and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M Salazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
| | - Emily A Balczewski
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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14
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Raynal NJM, Da Costa EM, Lee JT, Gharibyan V, Ahmed S, Zhang H, Sato T, Malouf GG, Issa JPJ. Repositioning FDA-Approved Drugs in Combination with Epigenetic Drugs to Reprogram Colon Cancer Epigenome. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 16:397-407. [PMID: 27980103 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic drugs, such as DNA methylation inhibitors (DNMTi) or histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), are approved in monotherapy for cancer treatment. These drugs reprogram gene expression profiles, reactivate tumor suppressor genes (TSG) producing cancer cell differentiation and apoptosis. Epigenetic drugs have been shown to synergize with other epigenetic drugs or various anticancer drugs. To discover new molecular entities that enhance epigenetic therapy, we performed a high-throughput screening using FDA-approved libraries in combination with DNMTi or HDACi. As a screening model, we used YB5 system, a human colon cancer cell line, which contains an epigenetically silenced CMV-GFP locus, mimicking TSG silencing in cancer. CMV-GFP reactivation is triggered by DNMTi or HDACi and responds synergistically to DNMTi/HDACi combination, which phenocopies TSG reactivation upon epigenetic therapy. GFP fluorescence was used as a quantitative readout for epigenetic activity. We discovered that 45 FDA-approved drugs (4% of all drugs tested) in our FDA-approved libraries enhanced DNMTi and HDACi activity, mainly belonging to anticancer and antiarrhythmic drug classes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that combination of decitabine (DNMTi) with the antiarrhythmic proscillaridin A produced profound gene expression reprogramming, which was associated with downregulation of 153 epigenetic regulators, including two known oncogenes in colon cancer (SYMD3 and KDM8). Also, we identified about 85 FDA-approved drugs that antagonized DNMTi and HDACi activity through cytotoxic mechanisms, suggesting detrimental drug interactions for patients undergoing epigenetic therapy. Overall, our drug screening identified new combinations of epigenetic and FDA-approved drugs, which can be rapidly implemented into clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(2); 397-407. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noël J-M Raynal
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .,Département de pharmacologie et physiologie, Université de Montréal and Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elodie M Da Costa
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie, Université de Montréal and Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Justin T Lee
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vazganush Gharibyan
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Saira Ahmed
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hanghang Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, University Pierre and Marie Curie (Paris VI), Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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15
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Pasquier E, André N, Street J, Chougule A, Rekhi B, Ghosh J, Philip DSJ, Meurer M, MacKenzie KL, Kavallaris M, Banavali SD. Effective Management of Advanced Angiosarcoma by the Synergistic Combination of Propranolol and Vinblastine-based Metronomic Chemotherapy: A Bench to Bedside Study. EBioMedicine 2016; 6:87-95. [PMID: 27211551 PMCID: PMC4856748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumors of vascular origin that represent a genuine therapeutic challenge. Recently, the combination of metronomic chemotherapy and drug repositioning has been proposed as an attractive alternative for cancer patients living in developing countries. Methods In vitro experiments with transformed endothelial cells were used to identify synergistic interactions between anti-hypertensive drug propranolol and chemotherapeutics. This led to the design of a pilot treatment protocol combining oral propranolol and metronomic chemotherapy. Seven consecutive patients with advanced/metastatic/recurrent angiosarcoma were treated with this combination for up to 12 months, followed by propranolol-containing maintenance therapy. Findings Gene expression analysis showed expression of ADRB1 and ADRB2 adrenergic receptor genes in transformed endothelial cells and in angiosarcoma tumors. Propranolol strongly synergized with the microtubule-targeting agent vinblastine in vitro, but only displayed additivity or slight antagonism with paclitaxel and doxorubicin. A combination treatment using bi-daily propranolol (40 mg) and weekly metronomic vinblastine (6 mg/m2) and methotrexate (35 mg/m2) was designed and used in 7 patients with advanced angiosarcoma. Treatment was well tolerated and resulted in 100% response rate, including 1 complete response and 3 very good partial responses, based on RECIST criteria. Median progression-free and overall survival was 11 months (range 5–24) and 16 months (range 10–30), respectively. Interpretation Our results provide a strong rationale for the combination of β-blockers and vinblastine-based metronomic chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced angiosarcoma. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential of drug repositioning in combination with metronomic chemotherapy in low- and middle-income country setting. Funding This study was funded by institutional and philanthropic grants. A strong synergism was identified between propranolol and vinblastine in an in vitro model of angiosarcoma. Adrenergic receptor expression was detected in angiosarcoma tumors providing a molecular target for propranolol. Propranolol and vinblastine-based metronomic chemotherapy led to 100% response in 7 patients with inoperable angiosarcoma. This treatment resulted in prolonged survival of angiosarcoma patients and warrants further investigation in larger trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Pasquier
- INSERM UMR 911, Centre de Recherche en Oncologie biologique et Oncopharmacologie, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Metronomics Global Health Initiative, Marseille, France; Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, Australia.
| | - Nicolas André
- INSERM UMR 911, Centre de Recherche en Oncologie biologique et Oncopharmacologie, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Metronomics Global Health Initiative, Marseille, France; Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Janine Street
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, Australia
| | | | - Bharat Rekhi
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Jaya Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepa S J Philip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Marie Meurer
- INSERM UMR 911, Centre de Recherche en Oncologie biologique et Oncopharmacologie, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France; Service d'Oncologie Médicale, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Karen L MacKenzie
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shripad D Banavali
- Metronomics Global Health Initiative, Marseille, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India.
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16
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Rumore MM. Medication Repurposing in Pediatric Patients: Teaching Old Drugs New Tricks. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2016; 21:36-53. [PMID: 26997928 PMCID: PMC4778695 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-21.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gaps in pediatric therapeutics often result in off-label use and specifically, novel uses for existing medications, termed "drug repurposing." Drug Information (DI) queries to a Pediatric Medication Resource Center of a large metropolitan pediatric hospital in New York and inherent difficulties in retrieving evidence-based information prompted a review of current medication repurposing for pediatric patients. The objective included characterization of innovative off-label use of medications Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for 1 or more indications to treat a totally different disorder or indication in pediatric patients. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve publications describing repurposed medications in pediatric patients. Excluded was FDA-approved indications used off-label in pediatric patients (e.g., different dose), preclinical data, adult use only, and experimental use. Evidence quality was classified using a modified American Academy of Neurology Level of Evidence. Results were analyzed using χ(2) at p < 0.05. RESULTS Over 2000 references were retrieved and reviewed. A total of 101 medications repurposed for novel off-label uses for pediatric patients were identified: 38 for neonates, 74 for children, and 52 for adolescents. Neonates and infants were least likely to receive a medication for a repurposed use. Strong or intermediate evidence existed in 80.2% of cases. The evidence was weak in 19.8%. No significant relationship was observed between the pediatric age group and strength of the literature. Most repurposed uses pertained to generic or widely used medications. Less than 5% of medications were first marketed after 2011. CONCLUSIONS While not exhaustive, the present study represents the most comprehensive listing of novel uses exclusive to pediatric patients. Further research is needed to identify the frequency of repurposed uses. The valuable DI role of pharmacists in assessing repurposed uses is of expanding and increasing importance to ensure such uses are evidence-based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M. Rumore
- Department of Social, Behavioral and Administrative Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, New York; Of Counsel, Sorell, Lenna, & Schmidt, LLP, Hauppauge, New York
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17
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Abstract
The three endogenous gaseous transmitters - nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) - regulate a number of key biological functions. Emerging data have revealed several new mechanisms for each of these three gasotransmitters in tumour biology. It is now appreciated that they show bimodal pharmacological character in cancer, in that not only the inhibition of their biosynthesis but also elevation of their concentration beyond a certain threshold can exert anticancer effects. This Review discusses the role of each gasotransmitter in cancer and the effects of pharmacological agents - some of which are in early-stage clinical studies - that modulate the levels of each gasotransmitter. A clearer understanding of the pharmacological character of these three gases and the mechanisms underlying their biological effects is expected to guide further clinical translation.
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18
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Bertolini F, Sukhatme VP, Bouche G. Drug repurposing in oncology--patient and health systems opportunities. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2015; 12:732-42. [PMID: 26483297 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2015.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In most countries, healthcare service budgets are not likely to support the current explosion in the cost of new oncology drugs. Repurposing the large arsenal of approved, non-anticancer drugs is an attractive strategy to offer more-effective options to patients with cancer, and has the substantial advantages of cheaper, faster and safer preclinical and clinical validation protocols. The potential benefits are so relevant that funding of academically and/or independently driven preclinical and clinical research programmes should be considered at both national and international levels. To date, successes in oncology drug repurposing have been limited, despite strong evidence supporting the use of many different drugs. A lack of financial incentives for drug developers and limited drug development experience within the non-profit sector are key reasons for this lack of success. We discuss these issues and offer solutions to finally seize this opportunity in the interest of patients and societies, globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Vikas P Sukhatme
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gauthier Bouche
- Anticancer Fund, 1853 Strombeek-Bever, Brussels 1853, Belgium
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19
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Repurposing medicinal compounds for blood cancer treatment. Ann Hematol 2015; 94:1267-76. [PMID: 26048243 PMCID: PMC4488459 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-015-2412-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug development is being continuously scrutinised for its lack of productivity. Novel drug development is associated with high costs, high failure rates and lengthy development process. These downfalls combined with a huge demand in blood cancer for new therapeutic treatments have led many to consider the method of drug repurposing. Finding new therapeutic indications for already established drug substances is known as redirecting, repositioning, reprofiling, or repurposing of drugs. Off-patent and on-patent drugs can be screened for additional targets and new indications thus bringing them to clinical trials at a faster pace. This approach offers smaller research groups, such as those that are academic based, into the drug development industry. Drug repurposing can make use of previously published data concerning dosage, toxicology and mechanism of activity.
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20
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Langedijk J, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Slijkerman DS, Schutjens MHDB. Drug repositioning and repurposing: terminology and definitions in literature. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:1027-34. [PMID: 25975957 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Drug repositioning and similar terms have been a trending topic in literature and represent novel drug development strategies. We analysed in a quantitative and qualitative manner how these terms were used and defined in the literature. In total, 217 articles referred to 'drug repositioning', 'drug repurposing', 'drug reprofiling', 'drug redirecting' and/or 'drug rediscovery'. Only 67 included a definition ranging from brief and general to extensive and specific. No common definition was identified. Nevertheless, four common features were found: concept, action, use and product. The different wording used for these features often leads to essential differences in meaning between definitions. In case a clear definition is needed, for example from a legal or regulatory perspective, the features can provide further guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Langedijk
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Marie-Hélène D B Schutjens
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Schutjens de Bruin, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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21
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Wolter JK, Wolter NE, Blanch A, Partridge T, Cheng L, Morgenstern DA, Podkowa M, Kaplan DR, Irwin MS. Anti-tumor activity of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2014; 5:161-72. [PMID: 24389287 PMCID: PMC3960198 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often associated with elevated catecholamines. More than half of patients with metastatic NB relapse and survival is extremely poor with current therapies. In a high-throughput screen of FDA-approved drugs we identified anti-NB activity for the nonselective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol hydrochloride. Propranolol inhibited growth of a panel of fifteen NB cell lines irrespective of MYCN status, and treatment induced apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Activity was dependent on inhibition of the β2, and not β1, adrenergic receptor, and treatment resulted in activation of p53 and p73 signaling in vitro. The majority of NB cell lines and primary tumors express β2 adrenergic receptor and higher mRNA levels correlate with improved patient survival, but expression levels did not correlate with in vitro sensitivity to propranolol. Furthermore, propranolol is synergistic with the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38 and propranolol inhibits growth of NB xenografts in vivo at doses similar to those used to treat infants with hemangiomas and hypertension. Taken together, our results suggest that propranolol has activity against NB and thus should be considered in combination treatments for patients with relapsed and refractory NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Wolter
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
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22
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Blatt J, Farag S, Corey SJ, Sarrimanolis Z, Muratov E, Fourches D, Tropsha A, Janzen WP. Expanding the scope of drug repurposing in pediatrics: the Children's Pharmacy Collaborative. Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:1696-1698. [PMID: 25149597 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is the use of 'old' drugs for new indications, avoiding the need for time- and cost-intensive toxicity studies. This approach should be particularly attractive for pediatrics, but its use in this population has been limited. One obstacle has been the lack of a comprehensive database of drugs for which there already is at least one indication in children. We describe the development of The Children's Pharmacy Collaborative, which should grow over time, serve as a resource for professionals and families, and stimulate drug-repurposing efforts for a range of pediatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Blatt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Sherif Farag
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Seth J Corey
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Eugene Muratov
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Denis Fourches
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William P Janzen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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23
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André N, Carré M, Pasquier E. Metronomics: towards personalized chemotherapy? Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2014; 11:413-31. [PMID: 24913374 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Since its inception in 2000, metronomic chemotherapy has undergone major advances as an antiangiogenic therapy. The discovery of the pro-immune properties of chemotherapy and its direct effects on cancer cells has established the intrinsic multitargeted nature of this therapeutic approach. The past 10 years have seen a marked rise in clinical trials of metronomic chemotherapy, and it is increasingly combined in the clinic with conventional treatments, such as maximum-tolerated dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as with novel therapeutic strategies, such as drug repositioning, targeted agents and immunotherapy. We review the latest advances in understanding the complex mechanisms of action of metronomic chemotherapy, and the recently identified factors associated with disease resistance. We comprehensively discuss the latest clinical data obtained from studies performed in both adult and paediatric populations, and highlight ongoing clinical trials. In this Review, we foresee the future developments of metronomic chemotherapy and specifically its potential role in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas André
- Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, AP-HM, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Manon Carré
- INSERM UMR 911, Centre de Recherche en Oncologie Biologique et Oncopharmacologie, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Eddy Pasquier
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, PO Box 81, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia
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24
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Cragg GM, Grothaus PG, Newman DJ. New horizons for old drugs and drug leads. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:703-23. [PMID: 24499205 DOI: 10.1021/np5000796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting urgency to find new drugs for the treatment of serious infectious diseases and cancer that are rapidly developing resistance to previously effective drugs. One approach to addressing this need is through drug repurposing, which refers to the discovery of new useful activities for "old" clinically used drugs through screening them against relevant disease targets. A large number of potential drug that, for various reasons, have failed to advance to clinical and commercial use can be added to the candidates available for such purposes. The application of new techniques and methodology developed through the impressive progress made in multidisciplinary, natural product-related research in recent years should aid substantially in expediting the discovery and development process. This review briefly outlines some of these developments as applied to a number of selected natural product examples, which may also include advances in chemical synthesis of derivatives with extended biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon M Cragg
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory , P.O. Box B, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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25
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Disulfiram/copper causes redox-related proteotoxicity and concomitant heat shock response in ovarian cancer cells that is augmented by auranofin-mediated thioredoxin inhibition. Oncoscience 2013; 1:21-9. [PMID: 25593981 PMCID: PMC4295765 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A valuable strategy to develop new therapeutic options for a variety of diseases has been the identification of new targets and applications for already approved drugs, the so-called drug repositioning. Recurrent ovarian cancer is a nearly incurable malignancy for which new and effective treatments are urgently needed. The alcohol-deterring drug disulfiram has been shown to cause preferential cell death in a variety of cancer cells. In this study, it is shown that disulfiram mediates effective cell death in ovarian cancer cells by promoting a pro-oxidative intracellular environment in a copper-dependent mechanism. Within few hours of application, disulfiram caused irreversible cell damage associated with pronounced induction of the inducible heat shock proteins HSP70, HSP40, and HSP32. The small heat shock protein HSP27 was found to be covalently dimerized via oxidized disulfide bonds and precipitated in para-nuclear protein aggregates. Simultaneous inhibition of the cellular thioredoxin system by auranofin further enhanced the cytotoxic effect of disulfiram. These data indeed indicate that the combination of two approved drugs, the anti-alcoholic disulfiram and the anti-rheumatic auranofin, may be of interest for the treatment of recurrent and genotoxic drug-resistant ovarian cancer by inducing a proteotoxic cell death mechanism.
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Toward better drug repositioning: prioritizing and integrating existing methods into efficient pipelines. Drug Discov Today 2013; 19:637-44. [PMID: 24239728 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recycling old drugs, rescuing shelved drugs and extending patents' lives make drug repositioning an attractive form of drug discovery. Drug repositioning accounts for approximately 30% of the newly US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and vaccines in recent years. The prevalence of drug-repositioning studies has resulted in a variety of innovative computational methods for the identification of new opportunities for the use of old drugs. Questions often arise from customizing or optimizing these methods into efficient drug-repositioning pipelines for alternative applications. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the available methods gained by evaluating both biological and pharmaceutical knowledge and the elucidated mechanism-of-action of drugs. Here, we provide guidance for prioritizing and integrating drug-repositioning methods for specific drug-repositioning pipelines.
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