Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Kauffman, Russell

Keywords

benzimidazoles, albendazole, mebendazole, flubendazole, adjuvant therapy, anticancer, antitumor, and drug repositioning

Abstract

This literature review aims to compile previous studies’ data and explore the effects of benzimidazoles as an adjuvant therapy and its relationship to a patient’s cancer biomarkers, tumor progression, and quality of life. In addition to the aforementioned, we will attempt to review data to identify the safety and toxicity profile of benzimidazoles within a population of patients currently diagnosed with cancer to determine if this class of medications could be implemented along with current cancer treatment regimens to increase efficacy and tolerance. To determine this, the databases of CINAHL, ClinicalKey, and PubMed were searched with the keywords mentioned below. Studies include those after the year 2000, and those focusing on the use of benzimidazoles on human cancer cells and tissue, case studies, and all phases of clinical trials. Excluded were those using non-human study subjects, those before the year 2000, and those not applicable based on a population not being those with cancer. These parameters resulted in 11 applicable studies available for this review. The review resulted in the realization that benzimidazole use in those with cancer is in its early stages of research. This being said, many of these early-stage trials did show promise that benzimidazoles may show antineoplastic characteristics with less severe side effects than conventional cancer treatments. Additionally, safety and toxicity properties among participants appeared to be similar to their use in those with helminth infections. Larger-scale clinical trials will be necessary to further understand the role benzimidazoles may have as antineoplastic agents.

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