Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Finasteride Against Glioblastoma Cells

The study explored finasteride, an FDA-approved drug for benign prostate hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia, as a potential treatment for glioblastoma. It demonstrated that high-dose finasteride exhibited significant antiproliferative and antioxidant effects on glioblastoma cell lines U373 and T98G by reducing β-catenin levels, suppressing AKT/mTOR signaling, and increasing antioxidant gene expression, which led to decreased ROS levels and cell proliferation. However, the effective dosage used in vitro was higher than achievable in humans, suggesting a need for localized delivery methods. Finasteride did not induce DNA damage or autophagy, indicating it might be best used in combination therapy pending further trials.