Potential Cancer Drugs Show Promise in Reversing Brain Changes in Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and Gladstone Institutes have identified existing cancer medications that could potentially reverse some of the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that these drugs may slow or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms.

The study involved analyzing gene expression profiles in brain cells from deceased donors with and without Alzheimer's. By comparing these profiles with thousands of existing drugs, the scientists pinpointed a combination of two FDA-approved cancer drugs that could counteract the gene changes seen in Alzheimer's-affected neurons and glia cells. The research further investigated electronic medical records, revealing that patients treated with some of these drugs for other conditions appeared less likely to develop the disease.

In laboratory tests using a mouse model with Alzheimer's-like pathology, a combination of these cancer drugs substantially reduced brain degeneration and improved memory function. The drugs—letrozole, typically used for breast cancer, and irinotecan, used for colon and lung cancer—showed promising therapeutic effects.

According to Dr. Marina Sirota, the team’s use of advanced computational tools allowed them to tackle the complex biological alterations in Alzheimer's directly, opening new avenues for treatment using existing medications. The findings represent a significant step toward repurposing cancer drugs for Alzheimer's therapy, with plans underway to test this combination in clinical trials.

With Alzheimer's affecting millions and current treatments offering limited efficacy, these discoveries could mark a pivotal shift in how the disease is managed, emphasizing the potential of big data and drug repurposing to address complex neurodegenerative conditions.