Repurposing of Approved Cardiovascular Drugs

The document from 2016 explores the potential of repurposing cardiovascular drugs for new indications, such as cancer treatment and other conditions. It notes that while experimental studies have shown promising anti-tumor properties for drugs like aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, cardiac glycosides, and statins, clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results. Beta-blockers have been linked to improved survival in certain cancers, but there is a lack of prospective clinical trials to confirm these findings. Similarly, ACE inhibitors and ARBs have not shown favorable effects on cancer risk or outcome in clinical studies. The document also mentions the use of propranolol for infantile hemangioma, the potential benefits of beta-blockers for cirrhosis and osteoporosis, the effects of losartan on Marfan's syndrome, and the use of preoperative statins to reduce perioperative cardiovascular risks. Additionally, it discusses the application of minoxidil for androgenic alopecia, highlighting its effectiveness in stimulating hair growth. The document emphasizes the need for further research, including well-organized randomized controlled trials, to validate the efficacy and safety of these repurposed drugs for various conditions.