Migraine medications may slow the growth of gastrointestinal tumors. Scientists from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) came to this conclusion. The results were published in the journal BMJ Oncology.
Scientists have discovered that two components of the nervous system, the neuropeptide CGRP and its receptor RAMP1, are involved in tumor growth. These signaling molecules normally regulate the transmission of nerve impulses and blood flow, but in cancer, they stimulate cell division and accelerate tumor growth.
To test this, researchers used genetic engineering techniques to remove the RAMP1 receptor from tumor cells and observed a significant slowing of their growth. Because drugs that inhibit CGRP activity are already used to treat migraines, scientists have proposed repurposing them to treat cancer.
Dr. Lisa Mielke, ONJCRI lab leader and senior author of the study, called the results an "exciting new avenue of research" that allows the nervous system to be targeted for cancer therapy. He noted that CGRP-blocking drugs are well-studied and safe, making them easily adaptable to oncology clinical trials.
The authors emphasize that the discovery opens up new opportunities for creating gentler and more comfortable treatment regimens that combine the effectiveness of anticancer therapy with the low toxicity of existing drugs.
