Scientists at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes have discovered that two cancer drugs may help reverse changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Using computer tools, researchers first studied how Alzheimer’s disease affects the genes in different brain cells. They then searched a large database of FDA-approved drugs to find those that could reverse these gene changes.
They found 10 approved drugs that showed promise, and 2 of them—letrozole and irinotecan—were tested in mice with Alzheimer’s. Letrozole is used for breast cancer, and irinotecan is used for colon and lung cancer.
When given together, the drugs reduced brain damage in the mice and even restored their memory. The drugs reversed harmful gene changes, reduced protein clumps, and protected brain cells.
Researchers also studied health records of 1.4 million people and found that some who took these drugs for other conditions were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
This research could lead to a new Alzheimer’s treatment using drugs that are already approved for other diseases. Clinical trials in people may begin soon.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about Research shows root cause of Alzheimer’s disease and new treatment and findings of Scientists find the link between eye disease glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease.
For more about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about Scientists find a new way to treat Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Fluctuating cholesterol and triglyceride levels are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
