Targeting tumor cell metabolism via the mevalonate pathway: Two hits are better than one

Abstract

Statins are promising anticancer agents that target the mevalonate pathway. Tumor cells are sensitive to depletion of mevalonate-derived products but this activity triggers a homeostatic feedback loop that blunts statin efficacy. We showed that dipyridamole inhibits this feedback response and potentiates statin antitumor activity. This study identifies statins plus dypridamole as a preclinically effective combination of approved agents.