BMJ: Migraine drugs may help treat stomach cancer

Medications used to treat migraine may be able to slow the growth of gastrointestinal tumors. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI). The findings were published in BMJ Oncology.

The scientists discovered that two components of the nervous system — the neuropeptide CGRP and its receptor RAMP1 — play a key role in tumor growth. Under normal conditions, these signaling molecules regulate nerve transmission and blood flow. However, in cancer they stimulate cell proliferation and accelerate tumor progression.

To test this mechanism, the researchers used gene engineering techniques to remove the RAMP1 receptor from tumor cells and observed a sharp reduction in their growth. Since drugs that inhibit CGRP activity are already approved and widely used for migraine therapy, the team suggested repurposing them for oncology.

Dr. Lisa Milke, head of the ONJCRI laboratory and senior author of the study, described the results as “an exciting new direction in cancer research” that positions the nervous system as a potential therapeutic target. She noted that CGRP-blocking drugs are well studied and have a high safety profile, which could enable a rapid transition to clinical trials in oncology.

The authors emphasize that this discovery opens up new possibilities for developing gentler and more comfortable treatment regimens that combine anti-tumor efficacy with the low toxicity of already available medications.