Minocycline in Treating Glioblastoma Multiforme: Far beyond a Conventional Antibiotic

Abstract

One of the most lethal forms of CNS pathologies is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) that represents high invasiveness, uncontrolled proliferation, and angiogenic features. Its invasiveness is responsible for the high recurrence even after maximal surgical interventions. Minocycline is a semisynthetic analog of tetracyclines with potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, distinct from its antimicrobial activity. In this review, we highlight the importance and the cytotoxic mechanisms of minocycline on GBM pathophysiology. Considering the role of certain enzymes in autophagy, apoptosis, tumor cell invasion, and metastatic ability, the possible use of tetracyclines for cancer therapy should be investigated, especially GBM. The present study is, therefore, going to cover the main topics in minocycline pharmacology to date, encouraging its consideration as a new treatment approach for cancer and GBM.

Inter-agency perspective: Translating advances in biomarker discovery and medical countermeasures development between terrestrial and space radiation environments

“…They have demonstrated efficacy in attenuating ARS, with antimicrobials such as tetracyclines ( Kim et al, 2009 ; Epperly et al, 2010 ) and fluoroquinolones ( Kim et al, 2009 ) showing promise as radiation mitigators. Antibiotics such as minocycline are also in clinical trials as neuroprotective treatments for patients undergoing metastatic brain tumor radiotherapy ( Afshari et al, 2020 ). Further, NASA has investigated use of minocycline as a prophylactic MCM due to its antibiotic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties ( Mehrotra et al, 2013 ; Zhang et al, 2014 ).…”

Drug Repurposing for Glioblastoma and Current Advances in Drug Delivery—A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

“…Minocycline is a tetracycline-derived antibiotic that has a wide range of therapeutic properties [ 22 ]. Due to its highly lipophilic nature, it easily diffuses across the BBB where it has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects against a wide range of neurological disorders [ 100 ]. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, minocycline also exerts antitumor effects.…”