Cancer Drugs Stop Alzheimer’s In Its Tracks

Scientists have found the secret weapon.

Recent studies in mice suggest that a new class of cancer drugs might also be effective in treating neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. These drugs target an enzyme known as indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which has been linked to both cancer and brain disorders.

IDO1 inhibitors are primarily being developed for treating various cancers, including melanoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. They work by blocking cancer cells’ ability to escape the immune system. However, researchers have noted that these inhibitors might also offer potential benefits for early-stage brain diseases. IDO1 is involved in the metabolism of tryptophan, an amino acid that affects brain cell energy. Excessive activity of IDO1 results in the production of kynurenine, which can disrupt the brain’s energy supply by interfering with glucose metabolism.

Dr. Katrin Andreasson, a senior researcher and professor of neurology at Stanford University, highlighted that inhibiting IDO1 could be a promising approach to combat aging-related brain damage and neurodegeneration. In mouse models, suppressing IDO1 not only enhanced synaptic energy but also improved brain function. This suggests that IDO1 inhibitors could help mitigate cognitive decline by improving glucose utilization in the brain.

The research also indicates that IDO1 inhibitors might be effective against the toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid beta and tau. In experiments, blocking IDO1 helped preserve brain function and improved cognitive performance in mice with amyloid plaques and tau tangles. This dual effectiveness against different types of brain pathology was particularly encouraging for researchers.

The next phase of research will involve testing these inhibitors in human trials to explore their potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are optimistic that these drugs, originally developed for cancer treatment, could be repurposed to address neurodegenerative conditions.