The new role of riluzole in the treatment of pancreatic cancer through the apoptosis and autophagy pathways

Pancreatic cancer is always diagnosed at an advanced stage. Hence, chemotherapy becomes the best choice for patients. Therefore, new anticancer drugs for pancreatic cancer are needed. Riluzole (RIL) is mainly used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinically, but many previous studies have shown that RIL could inhibit tumors. However, no report has explored the association between RIL and pancreatic cancer. To validate this association, we performed this study. Our data showed that RIL could induce cytotoxicity, block the cell cycle, and inhibit clone formation, apoptosis, and migration in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that RIL could suppress autophagy. However, more experiments will be needed to validate the reliability of our conclusions. In summary, our data suggest that RIL might provide clues for the development of a treatment for human pancreatic cancer in the future.

Automated summary

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making chemotherapy the best treatment option. Research suggests that Riluzole may have potential in inhibiting tumors, including pancreatic cancer. Further experiments are needed to confirm the reliability of these findings, but data indicates Riluzole may offer promise for future treatments.