Repurposed drugs are increasingly used to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by modulating the tumor microenvironment, reducing resistance, and boosting T-cell activity.
Key agents include metformin, aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers, which can improve patient outcomes and overcome resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.
PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)
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Key Repurposed Drugs and Mechanisms
Metformin:
A diabetes drug that can boost anti-tumor immune responses and reduce PD-L1 expression.
Aspirin & NSAIDs:
Celecoxib inhibits COX-2 receptors and reduces inflammation-driven resistance to checkpoint inhibitors.
Statins:
Lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., fenofibrate) can reprogram the tumor microenvironment and improve response rates.
Beta-blockers:
Propranolol may improve overall survival in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.
JAK Inhibitors:
Used with anti-PD-1 (e.g., pembrolizumab) to reverse resistance, particularly in lung cancer.
Targeted Therapies:
Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) targeting VEGFR, BRAF, or EGFR can also enhance T-cell infiltration and function.
Other Potential Agents:
Vitamin D, antidepressants (SSRIs), bisphosphonates, and TGF-inhibitors.
Cancer Biology & Medicine
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Potential Advantages
Improved Efficacy:
Combining these agents with ICIs like nivolumab or pembrolizumab can reduce tumor growth more effectively than either agent alone.
Reduced Side Effects:
Some repurposed drugs can decrease immune-related adverse events.
Lower Costs:
Repurposed drugs are generally affordable and already approved for safety.
Cancer Biology & Medicine
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