A threadworm drug, an anti-fungal drug and an antacid are among common medicines that might be used to treat cancer, researchers have revealed.
Belgian-based researchers say they are studying substances found in the domestic medicine chest in the search for new cancer medicines.
The findings from the Repurposing Drugs in Oncology project are being published by the journal ecancermedicalscience.
The latest report centres on mebendazole, a threadworm drug.
Researchers say there is strong laboratory evidence that it could have benefits in treating cancers of the brain, bowel and skin and possible leukaemia and bone cancer.
Other drugs under investigation include nitroglycerin, cimetidine, diclofenac, clarithromycin and the anti-fungal itraconazole.
Researcher Pan Pantziarka said: "It really is a case of looking at the cancer treatments in our medicine cabinets.
“Repurposing these drugs will save money and lives. This isn’t just about medical breakthroughs; it’s about social necessity worldwide."
Professor Gordon McVie, of the European Institute of Oncology, said: "A success with even one of their repurposed drugs would have a significant impact on improving cancer care in India, Africa or South America, as well as in the developed world.”
Mebendazole as an anti-cancer agent. ecancermedicalscience July 2014 [abstract]
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