Cancer Prevalence After Exposure to Wnt-Activating Drugs: A Systematic Review

May 2025 in “ BMJ Open ”

Ahmed Alkashaf, Natalia Smith‐Cortinez, Gaynor Fenton, Sebastian Thomas Bok, Robert J. Stokroos, Inge Stegeman, Louise V. Straatman

Studysummary This systematic review reported that treatment with drugs that activate the Wnt pathway, including valproic acid and lithium, was not associated with a significant increase in cancer risk. The authors suggest further research on Wnt activation's potential as a regenerative therapy.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This systematic review analyzed 48 studies to evaluate the cancer risk associated with drugs that activate the Wnt pathway, such as valproic acid, lithium, and others. The findings indicate that these drugs, at their current systemic dosages, do not significantly increase cancer prevalence, although some exceptions were noted, such as renal tumors with long-term lithium use and endometrial cancer with haloperidol. Clozapine was linked to an increased risk of haematological cancers due to direct bone marrow damage, not Wnt activation. Overall, the review suggests that Wnt-activating drugs generally do not elevate cancer risk, supporting their potential use in regenerative therapies, but further research is needed to confirm safety at higher dosages and specific applications.

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