Statins may potentiate bisphosphonates anticancer properties: a new pharmacological approach?
Both statins and bisphosphonates may inhibit cancer proliferation by two main different mechanisms: inducing apoptosis along cholesterol synthesis pathway and by antiangiogenic properties. Moreover, also an immunomediated mechanism could be involved in anticancer properties of these molecules. The association of these two drugs could represent an interesting pharmacological approach in anticancer treatment. The available data offer the rationale for future in vitro studies aimed at evaluating proapoptotic and antiangiogenic action of this association. If the results of vitro studies should confirm the hypothesis that statins potentiate the action of bisphosphonates, further clinical investigations could be mandatory to evaluate the efficacy of this new pharmacological approach in anticancer therapy.
Vincenzi
Bruno
B
Oncology-Hematology Department, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy. brunovincenzi@hotmail.com
Santini
Daniele
D
Avvisati
Giuseppe
G
Baldi
Alfonso
A
Cesa
Annalisa La
AL
Tonini
Giuseppe
G
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors