Scientists at the University of Auckland have found that pirvinium, a cheap parasite killer, could be developed to treat bowel cancer. The study data was published in the scientific journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.
According to biologists, the combination of time-tested drugs simplifies the search for a cure for any disease. The authors of the study decided to study several anti-cancer drugs that will soon lose patent protection.
By mixing the two old drugs, the effectiveness of bowel cancer treatment is significantly improved, the authors argue. Also, the scientists’ study was based on updated data on colorectal cancer. Biologists had a large knowledge base about how disease develops.
Notably, the combination of the anti-cancer drugs axitinib and vemurafenib was the most effective. They are used to treat other tumors and will soon lose patent protection, which means that their cost will decrease.
At the same time, the researchers note that pirvinium can increase the effectiveness of therapy, because the drug affects beta-catenin.
