Mutual action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs: are there any shared targets?

Future Oncol. 2014 Dec;10(15):2529-39. doi: 10.2217/fon.14.65.

Abstract

Parasites and cancers have some common features. It has been shown that some parasites interfere with tumor growth. In addition, they both have common antigens such as the Tn antigen. A communal action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs has been reported. This shared action may be related to common targets for these drugs in cancers and parasites. In this paper, mutual action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs, with the aim of discussing shared targets of these drugs, has been reviewed.

Keywords: cancer; drug; parasite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiparasitic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiparasitic Agents