Identification of anti-cancer mechanism and responder by itraconazole in endometrial cancer

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K11166
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: Hyogo Medical University
• Principal Investigator: TSUBAMOTO Hiroshi 兵庫医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (80340975)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 井上 佳代 兵庫医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (80594754)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: がん治療 / リポジショニングドラッグ / 創薬

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have conducted clinical trials using itraconazole for patients with various types of cancer, and have reported promising results. Preliminary in vitro experiments showed anticancer effect of itraconazole against endometrial cancer cells. In this study, we have identified itraconazole decreased proliferation of endometrial cancer cells by inhibiting AKT/mTOR signals. We have conducted window of opportunity, and found symptom improvement and tumor shrinkage in cancer patients including endometrial cancer. The study is now ongoing (iRCTs051190006).

Free Research Field

腫瘍

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

新規がん治療薬の高騰により本邦の国民皆保険制度の破綻が危惧されており、ドラッグ・リポジショニングによるがん治療薬開発が期待されている。イトラコナゾールは安価で副作用が少ない抗真菌薬で、有効な患者を特定することでより効果的かつ安全安価ながん治療が可能となる。本研究では子宮体癌に対する作用機序の一端が明らかとなったが、他癌腫についても同様の結果が明らかとなっており、さまざまがん腫の患者への応用と新規薬剤開発が期待される。