Beyond infection control: exploring the therapeutic potential of antimicrobials in oncology and their synthetic perspectives. (PubMed, RSC Med Chem)
Several established therapeutic agents, including minoxidil, raloxifene, propranolol, aspirin, chloroquine, and metformin, have been successfully repurposed to explore additional pharmacological applications. These agents also exert antitumor effects by modulating key oncogenic pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, mTOR, and Hedgehog, and by selectively targeting cancer stem cells as well as tumor-associated microbiota. This review aims to explore the burgeoning potential of antimicrobial agents in oncology, highlighting their roles in reducing infection-related mortality, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness, and improving the overall quality of life in cancer patients.