Repurposing existing agents as adjunct therapies for glioblastoma

Abstract

Numerous non-oncologic medications have been found in the last decade to have anti-cancer properties. While the focus in oncology research should clearly remain on deriving new therapeutic strategies, repurposing these existing medications may offer the potential to rapidly enhance the effectiveness of treatment for resistant cancers. Glioblastoma, the most common and lethal brain cancer, is highly resistant to standard therapies and would benefit from even minor improvements in treatment. Numerous agents already in the clinic for non-cancer applications have been found to also possess potential against cancer or specifically against glioblastoma. These include agents with activities affecting oxidative stress, the immune reponse, epigenetic modifiers, cancer cell metabolism, and angiogenesis and invasiveness. This review serves as a guide for potential ways to repurpose individual drugs alongside standard glioblastoma therapies.