Researchers have reported that aspirin has broad anti-cancer activity against a number of malignancies. Now another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, has also demonstrated anti-cancer action.
Diclofenac is a prescription NSAID that has been sold under the brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Zipsor and Zorvolex. Diclofenac is prescribed for a variety of painful conditions including arthritis, gout and migraine headaches. It is also used after surgery to help manage post-operative pain.
Diclofenac as a Cancer Fighter:
According to the ReDO project, which stands for Repurposing Drugs in Oncology, diclofenac may be helpful against colorectal cancer, neuroblastoma, fibrosarcoma and ovarian cancer. The data are from test tube and animal studies.
Clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits; four studies are currently in progress. Doubtless others will be needed as well. One of the advantages of studying drugs that are already available is that the side effect profile is fairly well known and the drugs in their generic versions are not expensive.
eCancer, online, Jan. 11, 2016
If you are interested in learning more about how existing drugs could be beneficial in treating cancer, whether as the primary anti-cancer agent or as an addition to the treatment, you may wish to listen to our one-hour interview with Vikas and Vidula Sukhatme on this topic.
