Common blood thinner may double as cancer therapy (Warfarin)

Warfarin, a widely used blood thinner, appears to have potent anti-cancer properties, according to a study.

"Our findings suggest that warfarin, which is already approved by the FDA, could be repurposed to treat a variety of cancers, including pancreatic cancer," says Wei Gu, Ph.D.

Cancer researchers are excited by the idea of harnessing ferroptosis—so-named because it requires iron to work—to kill cancer cells. Drugs that induce ferroptosis may be particularly useful for cancers that elude current treatments.

Gu, Stockwell, and their colleagues performed genetic screens on human melanoma cells to identify genes that contribute to ferroptosis. As expected, the screens identified several previously known ferroptosis genes, but a new one stood out: VKORC1L1.

In laboratory experiments, the researchers found that VKORC1L1 is a potent inhibitor of ferroptosis, and loss of VKORC1L1 sensitizes cells to ferroptotic cell death.

VKORC1L1 levels also have clinical consequences, an analysis of human cancer data then revealed: Patients with low levels of VKORC1L1 activity generally lived longer than patients with higher levels.

Warfarin is also a known VKORC1L1 inhibitor, so the researchers explored its potential as a cancer drug. They found that warfarin, by reducing VKORC1L1 activity, sensitized human pancreatic cancer cells to ferroptosis and strongly repressed tumor growth in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer.

Data from other studies also support the idea that warfarin has potential against cancer. Warfarin and other anticoagulants are commonly given to cancer patients, who are at increased risk for blood clots. Recently, investigators have noticed that pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancer patients who received warfarin survived significantly longer than those taking other anticoagulants.

That may extend beyond to many other types, Gu adds. The researchers also found that VKORC1L1 is a direct target of p53, a well-known tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in more half of all cancers.

“...is on Eliquis...”

Apparently many doctors think eliquis is better for people who have atrial fibrillation (or AF), a heart condition, to help reduce the risk of a stroke. I have atrial flutter and that’s what they give me.

wy69

“They just put me on Eliquis.”

A lot of the decision to which thinner the doctor goes with is split.

From what I can understand, there are a few types of thinners that do a little different work.

Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body’s process of making clots. Eliquis is also an anticoagulant. But they do differ. And as far as I can find, basically convenience with a slightly different way of getting it done.

Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index. This means that small changes in your blood levels can have a big impact. Because of this, it requires frequent blood tests to ensure your dosage is safe and effective. What’s more, it can interact with many medications and foods. Warfarin blocks an enzyme (protein) needed to activate vitamin K. This interferes with blood clotting factors that require vitamin K to be made.

However, unlike warfarin, DOACs like Eliquis don’t require frequent monitoring. They also don’t have as many interactions and are better for after surgery blood clot problems by blocking an enzyme (protein, factor Xa) needed to activate vitamin K like warfarin. This interferes with blood clotting factors that require vitamin K to be made.

There are other differences, but the magic is you have had success on both, apparently, so far. Great to hear.

wy69

Yeah, when I was on warfarin I had to have weekly blood tests and I had to eat a precise amount of leafy green vegetables, as my dosage had to counterbalance the Vitamin K. It got frustrating, and the few times I cut myself I bled heavily.

We’ll see how it goes with Eliquis.

Thank you for the good wishes!

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