Research suggests Viagra may assist cancer patients beyond its use in treating erectile dysfunction. Manufactured by Viatris, Viagra was initially intended for high blood pressure and chest pain before its effects on erectile function were discovered.
Sildenafil and Cancer Spread Prevention
A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research indicates that Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil, could hinder cancer from spreading. Conducted by researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, including Dr. Yarden Ariav and Professor Ayelet Erez, the study focused on sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor. It may limit cancer metastasis and tumor formation.
“Sildenafil may restrict cancer cells from spreading,” the study suggests.
Collaborating with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the researchers analyzed various factors impacting cancer. Their work involved human and mouse cancer cells, genetic studies, and data from Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest nonprofit healthcare provider.
Mechanism of Action
The study discovered that sildenafil limits cancer cells’ cholesterol use. This reduction is vital to how cancer cells detach from primary tumors and spread. Sildenafil does so by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme and elevating cGMP, a signaling molecule that enhances blood vessel dilation.
According to the researchers, cGMP interacts with proteins that transport cholesterol, diminishing the cholesterol needed for cellular functions. Cancer cells are vulnerable to this cholesterol reduction, thereby restricting their spread.
Combining Viagra with Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The study suggests that combining Viagra-like drugs with statins could further slow cancer spread. Statins reduce cholesterol production; pairing them with PDE5 inhibitors may curb tumor cells’ cholesterol access.
Erez stated, “Our findings show a new biological pathway affecting cholesterol regulation and its potential use against cancer metastasis.”
They emphasize treating the whole patient, considering both tumor mutations and the patient’s overall metabolic state, along with other medications they use.
Limitations and Observations
While using mouse models presents limitations, as animal tests do not always directly apply to humans, the findings remain noteworthy. The human evidence in the study is observational, highlighting associations rather than causation.
Fox News Digital contacted study authors and the manufacturer for further comments.
Angelica Stabile covers lifestyle topics for Fox News Digital.