Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered that sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant, inhibits cancer cell growth in mouse models of breast cancer. While promising, these findings are preclinical and warrant further clinical investigation.
Cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably by accumulating genetic abnormalities and hijacking surrounding healthy tissue to form tumors. Unlike normal cells, they grow rapidly and require vast amounts of amino acids, particularly serine and glycine, to fuel protein synthesis and survival.
Could blocking serine and glycine production curb cancer growth without harming healthy cells? Kim De Keersmaecker and colleagues at KU Leuven, a leading Flemish university in Belgium, explored this hypothesis.
"This pathway is a compelling target because cancer cells rely on it heavily," De Keersmaecker explains. "Healthy cells use it less and can obtain these amino acids from diet, but cancer cells overproduce them. Inhibiting this could selectively impair tumors."
Screening over 1,600 existing drugs in yeast cells, the team identified sertraline—known for treating depression and anxiety—as the top inhibitor of serine/glycine synthesis.
In breast cancer mouse models, sertraline, combined with antimalarial drugs, significantly reduced tumor growth.
These results come from mouse xenografts, so human efficacy remains unproven, and the study focused on breast cancer. Still, sertraline's established safety profile in humans offers a strong foundation.
"These are preclinical results, but we're optimistic," says De Keersmaecker. "With sertraline's well-documented safety, we're seeking industry partners for advanced studies."
Findings are detailed in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.
