Ayomide Akomolafe, an Ekiti-born doctoral candidate in the United States, has amazed the international medical community by unveiling research that identifies a common antihistamine as a potential treatment against glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
His breakthrough was revealed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s 110th Annual Symposium.
Akomolafe’s research poster, titled “Role of Histamine 1 Receptor Signaling in Glioblastoma Progression”,detailed how Dexbrompheniramine (Dexbrom), a first-generation antihistamine widely used for allergy relief and approved by the FDA, effectively hindered the growth of glioblastoma cells. This medication was effective in targeting both Temozolomide (TMZ)-sensitive and TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cells, which is a challenge in cancer therapy today.
When Dexbrom was employed alongside Temozolomide, it induced multiple cell death processes, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, leading to enhanced suppression of the tumor. The antihistamine selectively attacked cancerous cells while leaving normal human astrocytes unharmed, indicating promising potential for clinical application.
Experts have emphasized the importance of this discovery because Dexbrom is an already-approved drug with a safe profile. This could accelerate the path toward clinical trials, offering hope to patients faster than traditional new drug development. Akomolafe’s findings have drawn enthusiastic interest from his peers and have placed his work as a vital contribution to the burgeoning field of drug repurposing and immunomodulation in cancer treatment.
Our findings indicate that Dexbrom selectively targets glioblastoma cells without damaging normal brain cells, which makes this medication a promising candidate for clinical translation…this isn’t just a step forward in scientific research for me; it’s a mission to bring new hope to those fighting one of the deadliest cancers – Akomolafe
He also expressed gratitude to his mentors, lab partners, and family, describing the event as an invaluable chance to share insights and gather feedback to further refine his approach.
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