Overview 

Drug repurposing is a practical approach in modern medicine, especially in oncology. The fact is that developing new drugs consumes time, money, and effort. Using off-label medication seems like a more attractive option. Drug repositioning eliminates the unnecessary waiting phase. In addition, faster production and availability are beneficial to patients.

One of these drugs is indomethacin. 

Its original use is treating and managing pain. It reduces the signs and symptoms of acute and chronic pains efficiently. What’s more, it has fast-acting effects. 

The focus of our discussion today is indomethacin’s role in treating cancer. We’ll talk about its origin, mode of action, and effectiveness. So, if you want to learn how indomethacin works in cancer management, let’s begin. 

What is Indomethacin?

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Doctors often recommend this drug to treat acute and chronic pain symptoms. Moreover, its antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects make it ideal for treating fever. Indomethacin works by blocking the signaling molecules that are known to trigger these symptoms. 

What Is Indomethacin Used For?

Indomethacin is an NSAID. It is prescribed as a pain reliever by doctors worldwide. It also works well in lowering the body temperature caused by fevers. Below is a compilation of the conditions that indomethacin treats.

Indomethacin uses in pain management:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Acute shoulder pains
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Understanding the Role of Indomethacin in Cancer Treatment 

Indomethacin and Cancer

Studies say that regular intake of NSAIDs like indomethacin reduces the mortality rate of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Moreover, additional reports say it also showed great potential in treating ovarian cancer. Indomethacin reduces tumor-induced suppression of the immune system. Additionally, it increases the efficiency of anticancer medications. We’ll talk more about this later. Let’s focus first on its mode of action. 

Mode of Action

Indomethacin suppresses cellular survival and induces apoptosis in primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Patients with HGSOC showed a significant reduction in cancer cell proliferation. 

Indomethacin inhibits β-catenin and represses several Wnt signaling targets. These include Lgr5 and Axin2. The β-catenin and Wnt signaling pathways rely on COX-1 for cancer cell proliferation. Indomethacin works by reversibly hampering cyclooxygenase -1 and -2 isoenzymes. It reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins in body tissues involved in pain, fever, and inflammation. 

Indomethacin downregulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling. It allows cisplatin to eradicate Tumor-initiating Cells(TICs). Successful elimination of TICs prevents tumor recurrence. In addition, it improves the overall survival of epithelial ovarian cancer.   

Indomethacin and Ovarian Cancer 

Indomethacin significantly reduced cell viability in patients with ovarian cancer. Researchers reported that this drug reduced platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant HGSCOC in ovarian tumor cells. 

It also revealed that the induction of G1/S cell cycle arrest by indomethacin is more potent. Moreover, platinum-resistant cells died more often than platinum-sensitive cells. Annexin-V staining was used to analyze cell deterioration.

Indomethacin as an Additional Cancer Treatment

Indomethacin improves the efficacy of anticancer medications. That explains why it is often used in treating cancer with primary treatment drugs. It enhances the effects of cisplatin in reducing ovarian cancer cells.  

Additional Information

Studies say that combining indomethacin and vitamin D reduces colon cancer incidence.  

Vitamin D is an antioxidant. It reduces oxidative stress markers and inflammation. Medical experts concluded that vitamin D and indomethacin potentially reduce colon carcinomas’ development. The main benefit is that the combination eliminates chemotherapy’s toxicity and side effects. Therefore, it significantly decreases colon cancer incidence.

Conclusion

Cancer is a life-threatening medical condition that you should never take lightly. It may appear subdued at first, but it could get worse in a short period. Finding safe and efficient treatment is the key to effective management and fast recovery. 

Researchers concluded that indomethacin is an ideal chemo adjuvant. This means that it is compatible with other anticancer drugs. It efficiently eradicates non-TICs (ALDH neg) and TICs (ALDH pos) in ovarian cancer. Therefore, it could overcome the barrier of tumor recurrence in ovarian cancer.

Indomethacin is one of the safest and most efficient off-label drugs you can use in cancer management. In fact, it has proven its potency in the past. One of the benefits of using repurposed drugs in treating cancer is their low toxicity levels. These drugs are more likely to produce positive results. Additionally, they cost less and are widely available. 

Using indomethacin together with other cancer treatment drugs reduces the risks of relapse. Remember that recurrent cancer is as deadly as the initial phase. Using off-label medication like indomethacin increases your survival rate and reduces fatality. 

Cancer is treatable and manageable, especially with the proper medication. Keep that in mind. 

Reduce the Risks of Recurrent Cancer with Off-Label Medication

Dealing with recurrent cancer is physically and mentally exhausting. We understand the challenges. That’s why we’re here for you. The Institute of Integrative BioOncology offers safe and effective cancer treatment and management using modern and conventional methods. 

Our treatment and management options are based on proven methods combined with quality and compassion. We provide the proper treatment based on your specific needs. 

Dr. Paul Zhang practices evidence-based integrative cancer care management, which is safe and effective. Dial 713-797-1900 to book an appointment.