A study from the Weizmann Institute of Science, published in Cancer Research, suggests that sildenafil, popularly known as Viagra, could have additional effects in the fight against cancer. This drug, traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction, shows potential to disrupt the spread of cancer by interfering with cholesterol metabolism.

Research highlights that sildenafil blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), resulting in increased cGMP levels. This increase in turn decreases the amount of cholesterol available to cancer cells, thus limiting their ability to metastasize.

The findings are based on experiments conducted in mouse models and human cell cultures, as well as analyzes of two decades of health data. The results indicate that combining sildenafil with statins could be more effective in reducing cancer spread.

Prospects for clinical use

Dr. Mike Lattanzi, a board-certified medical oncologist and director of the Genitourinary Cancer Research Program at Texas Oncology, who was not involved in the study, told Newsweek that while the findings are promising, human clinical trials are still needed to validate their effectiveness before considering changes in cancer treatment.

Lattanzi notes that the appeal of this research lies in the use of widely used drugs, but states that any cancer prevention strategy is still in the preliminary stages.

Possible side effects of sildenafil

The most common adverse effects reported with sildenafil include:

These effects are usually mild and transient, but may be more noticeable in frail patients or on multiple medications.

Less common but serious side effects

Some side effects require immediate medical attention:

Sildenafil may be safe and effective in cancer patients when used under appropriate medical supervision, but requires individualized risk-benefit assessment.