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Understanding Repurposed Medications in Oncology Care If you have been researching cancer care options, you may have encountered the term “repurposed medications” or “drug repurposing.” This page is designed to help you understand what these terms mean and how a compounding pharmacy fits into the picture.
Drug repurposing is a concept in medical research where existing medications, originally developed and approved for one condition, are studied for potential use in other conditions. This is not a new practice. Throughout the history of medicine, researchers have discovered that some drugs have effects beyond their original indication. Whether a repurposed medication is appropriate for any individual patient is a clinical decision made by a qualified healthcare provider based on their review of available research, the patient’s specific situation and their professional judgment. Pharmacy Solutions does not recommend, promote or prescribe any medication. When a healthcare provider determines that a compounded preparation of a repurposed medication is appropriate for a patient and issues a prescription, Pharmacy Solutions can prepare that medication according to the provider’s specifications.
What Is Drug Repurposing?
Drug repurposing refers to the investigation of existing, approved medications for new therapeutic uses beyond their original indication. Because these drugs have already been through the FDA approval process for their original use, their safety profiles, dosing parameters and potential side effects are generally well documented. This existing data is one reason researchers find repurposed drugs attractive for study in new contexts.[1]
It is important to understand that being “studied” for a new use is not the same as being “approved” for that use. The FDA approves drugs for specific indications based on clinical trial data demonstrating safety and efficacy for that particular use. When a provider prescribes a drug for a use other than its FDA-approved indication, this is called off-label prescribing. Off-label prescribing is legal and common in medical practice, but it means the prescriber is relying on their own clinical judgment rather than an FDA-approved indication.[2]
Examples of Repurposed Medications in Oncology Research
Several existing medications have been the subject of published research exploring their potential applications in oncology. The following are examples of drugs that have appeared in peer-reviewed literature in this context. Their inclusion here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement or claim of efficacy.
Mebendazole
Mebendazole is an antiparasitic medication that has been used for decades to address helminthic infections. It has been the subject of preclinical studies and a limited number of clinical investigations exploring its potential activity in oncology contexts. Published research has examined mebendazole in laboratory and animal models across several cancer types.[3][4] A phase 2a clinical study examining mebendazole in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer was published in 2021.[5] Research in this area is ongoing, and efficacy for oncology indications has not been established through the randomized controlled trials required for FDA approval.
Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication with a well-established safety profile from decades of use in its approved indications. It has appeared in published preclinical research examining potential mechanisms relevant to oncology.[6] As with mebendazole, this research is exploratory, and ivermectin has not been approved by the FDA for any oncology indication. Any use in this context would be off-label and at the discretion of a prescribing provider.
Other Medications Under Investigation
The broader field of oncology drug repurposing includes research on numerous other existing medications. Examples that have appeared in published literature include metformin, certain statin medications and various other compounds originally developed for non-oncology indications.[7] Inclusion in research literature does not indicate proven efficacy, and decisions about any of these medications should be made in consultation with a qualified oncology provider.
What Pharmacy Solutions Can Compound
Pharmacy Solutions is a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy. When a healthcare provider issues a prescription for a compounded medication, Pharmacy Solutions can prepare that medication according to the provider’s specifications. For oncology patients, this may include compounded preparations of medications such as:
- Mebendazole in customized strengths or formulations as prescribed.
- Ivermectin in customized strengths or formulations as prescribed.
- Other medications as directed by a prescriber’s orders.
Pharmacy Solutions does not determine which medications are appropriate for any patient. That decision rests entirely with the prescribing healthcare provider. The pharmacy’s role is to prepare the prescribed medication accurately, using quality ingredients, following applicable safety standards and delivering the finished preparation to the patient or provider.
All compounding at Pharmacy Solutions is performed under strict quality protocols. The pharmacy holds PCAB accreditation in both sterile and non-sterile compounding, is USP <800> compliant for the handling of hazardous drugs, sources all ingredients from FDA-registered facilities and tests all finished products through an independent third-party lab.[3]
The Difference Between Research and Recommendation
It is important to distinguish between educational information about research and a recommendation for care. This page provides general information about the concept of drug repurposing and examples of medications that have appeared in published oncology research. This information is not medical advice, and nothing on this page should be interpreted as a recommendation that any patient use any specific medication.
Decisions about cancer care should be made in consultation with a qualified oncology team. If you are interested in exploring whether a repurposed medication might be appropriate for your situation, the first step is a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can review the available research, assess your individual circumstances and determine whether any particular approach is appropriate for you.
What to Expect If Your Provider Prescribes a Compounded Medication
If your healthcare provider determines that a compounded repurposed medication is appropriate for your care and issues a prescription, the process typically involves several steps.
- Your provider evaluates your situation and determines that a compounded medication is warranted based on their clinical judgment.
- Your provider issues a prescription with specific instructions for the medication, strength and formulation.
- The prescription is sent to Pharmacy Solutions, where the pharmacy team reviews the order and contacts the provider if any clarification is needed.
- The medication is compounded according to the prescriber’s specifications, following applicable quality and safety standards.
- The finished medication is dispensed to you with any relevant handling or storage instructions.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Pharmacy Solutions works with healthcare providers across the country who prescribe compounded medications for their oncology patients. If you do not currently have a provider who is familiar with compounded medications or the research around repurposed drugs, you may click Ask a Pharmacist to learn more about the process or request assistance in connecting with a provider.
The most important relationship in your cancer care is the one between you and your medical team. Pharmacy Solutions is here to support that relationship by preparing the medications your provider prescribes, accurately and reliably.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposed Medications
What does "repurposed medication" mean?
A repurposed medication is an existing drug, originally approved for one condition, that is being studied or used for a different condition. In oncology, this refers to medications originally developed for non-cancer indications that have appeared in published research exploring potential applications in cancer care. Use of these medications for oncology is considered off-label.
Are repurposed medications FDA-approved for cancer?
No. The medications discussed on this page, including mebendazole and ivermectin, are FDA-approved for their original indications but have not been approved by the FDA for any oncology indication. Any use in oncology is off-label and at the discretion of the prescribing provider.
What is off-label prescribing?
Off-label prescribing occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes an FDA-approved medication for a use other than its approved indication. This is legal and common in medical practice. The FDA does not regulate how providers prescribe approved medications. Providers may prescribe off-label based on their clinical judgment and review of available research.[2]
Does Pharmacy Solutions recommend repurposed medications?
No. Pharmacy Solutions does not recommend, promote or prescribe any medication. The pharmacy prepares compounded medications only when a licensed healthcare provider has issued a prescription. All decisions about whether a medication is appropriate for a patient are made by the prescribing provider.
Can I get mebendazole or ivermectin from Pharmacy Solutions?
Pharmacy Solutions can compound mebendazole, ivermectin and other medications when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. A valid prescription is required. The pharmacy cannot dispense these medications without a prescription.
How do I find a provider who prescribes repurposed medications?
If you are interested in exploring repurposed medications as part of your oncology care, start by discussing this with your current healthcare team. If you need assistance connecting with a provider familiar with compounded medications, you may click Ask a Pharmacist or contact Pharmacy Solutions directly.
What quality standards does Pharmacy Solutions follow?
Pharmacy Solutions is PCAB accredited in both sterile and non-sterile compounding, is USP <800> compliant for the handling of hazardous drugs, sources all ingredients from FDA-registered facilities and tests all finished products through an independent third-party lab.
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