Drug repurposing for cancer.

ABSTRACT

In the dynamic landscape of cancer therapeutics, the innovative strategy of drug repurposing emerges as a transformative paradigm, heralding a new era in the fight against malignancies. This book chapter aims to embark on the comprehension of the strategic deployment of approved drugs for repurposing and the meticulous journey of drug repurposing from earlier times to the current era. Moreover, the chapter underscores the multifaceted and complex nature of cancer biology, and the evolving field of cancer drug therapeutics while emphasizing the mandate of drug repurposing to advance cancer therapeutics. Importantly, the narrative explores the latest tools, technologies, and cutting-edge methodologies including high-throughput screening, omics technologies, and artificial intelligence-driven approaches, for shaping and accelerating the pace of drug repurposing to uncover novel cancer therapeutic avenues. The chapter critically assesses the breakthroughs, expanding the repertoire of repurposing drug candidates in cancer, and their major categories. Another focal point of this book chapter is that it addresses the emergence of combination therapies involving repurposed drugs, reflecting a shift towards personalized and synergistic treatment approaches. The expert analysis delves into the intricacies of combinatorial regimens, elucidating their potential to target heterogeneous cancer populations and overcome resistance mechanisms, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. Therefore, this chapter provides in-depth insights into the potential of repurposing towards bringing the much-needed big leap in the field of cancer therapeutics.