Inhibitors of the HIV Protease Enzyme Could Serve as a Potential Cancer Treatment

Certain HIV Protease inhibitors may actually help in the fight against cancer. These inhibitors, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, and ampreavir have all been shown to be effective against certain types of cancer [1, 2]. A recent study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that these drugs inhibit the activation of a certain protein, Akt, which participates in the formation of many types of cancers [1]. The tests conducted by the NCI also showed that nelfinavir, saquinavir, and ritonavir precluded the growth of non-small cell lung cancer [1].

Another study performed at Vanderbilt University showed that nelfinavir also helps to make tumor vascular endothelium more susceptible to radiation and that a combination of radiation and nelfinavir may be helpful in preventing the spread of malignant endothelial cells [2]. Dr. Phillip Dennis of the NCI is currently conducting another study to determine cancer patients’ tolerance levels to these drugs [1].

An HIV Protease Inhibitor, saquinavir (green), can also inhibit a protein involved in the formation of cancer. Courtesy of www.niaid.nih.gov

Although there have not been many studies concerning HIV protease inhibitors, these early studies provide a great deal of insight into the many future possibilities for cancer treatment. As the scientific community awaits the results of the dosage and tolerance studies, many cancer patients can stay hopeful that one day they may be rid of the disease forever.

References:
[1] Gills JJ, LoPiccolo J, Tsurutani J, Shoemaker RH, Best CJM, Abu-Asab MS, Borojerdi J, Warfel NA, Gardner ER, Danish M, Hollander MC, Kawabata S, Tsokos M, Figg WD, Steeg PS, and Dennis PA. Nelfinavir, a lead HIV protease inhibitor, is a broad spectrum, anticancer agent that induces ER stress, autophagy and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Clin Can. Res. Vol. 13, No. 17. September 1, 2007.
[2] Kyle C. Cuneo, Tianxiang Tu, Ling Geng, Allie Fu, Dennis E. Hallahan, and Christopher D. Willey. HIV Protease Inhibitors Enhance the Efficacy of Irradiation. Cancer Research 67, 4886-4893, May 15, 2007.