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Mebendazole is an anthelmintic and microtubule polymerization inhibitor. It reduces microtubule polymerization at 10 µM and decreases viability in Giardia duodenalis with an IB50 of 190 nM. The compound inhibits the growth of melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-19 and M14, with IC50 values of 300 and 320 µM, respectively, and induces apoptosis at 1 µM. In vivo, it reduces tumor volume and vascularization in an H460 lung cancer mouse model when administered at 800 µg every other day. Mebendazole also effectively eliminates Strongylus species in infected ponies and is used to treat helminth gastrointestinal infections.

Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic and antiprotozoal agent used in veterinary medicine. It inhibits the metabolism of parasites, disrupting their ability to absorb glucose, which leads to their death. Effective against gastrointestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, it is typically administered orally in tablets or granules. Commonly used in dogs, cats, and livestock, it is generally safe, but dosage should be guided by a veterinarian. Some parasites may develop resistance, so following veterinary advice is important. There is interest in its potential use in human medicine, particularly in cancer research, but it is not approved for human use.

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a non-metabolizable glucose analogue that disrupts glycolysis by inhibiting hexokinase, the key regulatory enzyme in this metabolic pathway. When hexokinase phosphorylates 2-DG, it converts it into 2-DG-P, leading to its accumulation within the cell and resulting in a depletion of cellular ATP levels. This mechanism is particularly effective in targeting and eliminating cancer cells by depriving them of energy. Additionally, 2-DG may also hinder viral replication in cells that depend on glycolysis for their energy needs.

6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-nor-Leucine (commonly referred to as L-6-Diazo-5-oxonorleucine or DON) acts as a glutamine antagonist, effectively inhibiting the catabolic effects associated with glutamine. This compound demonstrates significant anticancer properties, particularly in the context of pancreatic cancer, and has been shown to diminish the self-renewal capabilities and metastatic potential of tumor cells. Additionally, 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-nor-Leucine exhibits both antibacterial and antiviral activities.

Ivermectin (IVM), a semi-synthetic macrolide parasiticide, is effective against various parasites, earning Satoshi Omura and William C. Campbell the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Recent research has revealed IVM’s antitumor properties, particularly its ability to inhibit glioma growth through mechanisms like targeting tumor-specific proteins and inducing apoptosis. This positions IVM as a promising candidate for anticancer therapy. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind IVM’s glioma suppression and discusses the challenges and future prospects of its use as an anticancer agent.

Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is an orally bioavailable compound that inhibits mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). It is used in clinical settings for conditions like MELAS syndrome and congenital lactic acidosis. Recent studies suggest DCA may have vasoprotective effects and promote brain regeneration after ischemia. By shifting pyruvate metabolism towards glucose oxidation, DCA induces apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. It also shows potential in reducing tumor growth in both in vitro and in vivo models.

A novel agent with anti-cancer properties that regulates transcription and promotes tumor cell growth arrest and differentiation. It enhances fetal hemoglobin production in both laboratory and living organisms.This compound demonstrates strong differentiating effects in various hematopoietic and solid tumor cell lines. It is a more effective inhibitor of histone deacetylase and inducer of histone acetylation than its structural analogs, including 2- and 3-phenylbutyrate. Additionally, it improves the targeting of δF508-CFTR for ubiquitination and degradation by reducing HSC70 expression in epithelial cells.