Repurposing old drugs in oncology: Opportunities with clinical and regulatory challenges ahead.

摘要: What is known and objective In order to expedite the availability of drugs treat cancers in a cost-effective manner, repurposing old for oncological indications gathering momentum. Revolutionary advances pharmacology genomics have demonstrated many activity at novel antioncogenic pharmacological targets. We decided investigate whether prospective studies support promises nonclinical retrospective clinical on three drugs, namely metformin, valproate astemizole. Methods conducted an extensive literature search through PubMed gather representative that investigated potential these indications. then searched aimed confirming data. Results discussion While evidence from with appears highly promising, large scale are either lacking or failed substantiate this promise. provide brief some challenges repurposing. Principal obstacles relate heterogeneity studied without considering their molecular signatures, trials small sample size short duration, failure consider issues ethnicity study population effective doses drug studied. new conclusion Well-designed demonstrating efficacy required oncology indications, just as they chemical entities any indication. Early ongoing interactions regulatory authorities invaluable. outline tentative framework structured approach oncology.