Researchers from the University of Bristol have uncovered a potential link between long-term use of certain anti-diabetic drugs and a reduced risk of primary and secondary brain cancer.
The study, recently published in BMJ Open, sheds light on the role of anti-diabetic drugs known as glitazones in mitigating the development of brain tumours, offering hope for novel preventive strategies in cancer treatment.
Kathreena Kurian, Professor of Neuropathology and Head of the Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Bristol and Honorary Consultant at North Bristol NHS Trust, and one of the study’s authors, explained: “The anti-diabetic drugs glitazones could potentially be involved in a pathway which prevents primary brain tumours and brain metastasis in diabetic and other patients.
“Our research could also be used to better understand pathways which prevent the development of primary brain tumours, such as glioma.”
What are glitazones?
Glitazones, also known as PPAR- α agonists (fibrates) and PPAR γ agonists, have long been utilised in managing diabetes due to their ability to enhance insulin sensitivity.
However, this new research suggests a broader application for these medications beyond glycemic control.
The study hints at the possibility of repurposing glitazones to prevent brain metastasis in cancer patients, particularly those at high risk of secondary tumours.
Investigating protection from brain cancer
The research team delved into primary care records from the UK GP database Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) from 2000 to 2016.
This database comprises information from over 2,000 GPs from more than 670 practices across the UK.
Analysing data from over 7,000 individuals with various brain tumours, they identified a notable association between long-term glitazone use among diabetic patients and a reduced risk of both primary and secondary brain tumours.
Notably, this protective effect was not observed with fibrates, another class of drugs commonly prescribed for hyperlipidemia.
Implications for future research and clinical trials
While these findings offer promising insights, the researchers emphasise the need for further investigation to validate their observations.
Larger datasets with more comprehensive information on blood sugar control and potential confounding factors are essential for confirming the association between glitazones and brain cancer risk reduction.
Moreover, the possibility of conducting double-blind clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic potential of glitazones in preventing brain cancers is on the horizon, pending stronger evidence from ongoing studies.
Yoav Ben-Shlomo, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS) and corresponding author, commented: “This is the largest study in diabetic patients showing a link between long-term glitazone use and decreased primary brain tumour and brain metastasis.
“If our research is validated in larger studies and trials, these drugs could be repurposed to prevent brain metastasis in cancer patients who are at high risk of secondary cancers, such as breast and lung cancer.”
The study marks a significant advancement in the quest to unravel the complexities of cancer biology and identify novel therapeutic avenues.
By uncovering a potential protective role for glitazones in mitigating brain tumour development, the research underscores the importance of exploring new applications for existing medications.
As efforts continue to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, the prospect of harnessing glitazones for brain cancer prevention holds promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of this devastating disease.
