According to a new study, two cancer drugs show potential in slowing down or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) researchers examined how Alzheimer’s disease alters gene expression in specific brain cells. They then identified FDA-approved drugs that could potentially counteract or reverse these changes.
After analyzing millions of electronic medical records of adults over 65, the researchers found two medications – letrozole and irinotecan – that appeared to reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.
Both letrozole and irinotecan are cancer drugs used to treat breast, colon, and lung cancer. When tested in mice, a combination of these medications reversed the gene expression changes associated with Alzheimer’s, reduced tau protein clumps in the brain, and improved learning and memory.
The study’s results, published in the journal Cell, were funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation.
Although the outcome was promising, researchers acknowledged limitations such as using a database built from cancer cells, the use of animal models, and gender differences in the drug’s response.
Currently, there are only two FDA-approved disease-modifying medications for Alzheimer’s – lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). These monoclonal antibodies are administered via IV infusions and work by reducing amyloid plaques in the brain.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the impact of the combined drugs on human patients with Alzheimer’s.
“We’re hopeful this can be swiftly translated into a real solution for millions of patients with Alzheimer’s,” said one of the study authors.
