Potential anti-tumor effects of FTY720 associated with PP2A activation: a brief review

Abstract

FTY720 (Fingolimod, Gilenya^†) is an FDA-approved immunosuppressant currently used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, a large number of studies over the last few years have shown that FTY720 shows potent antitumor properties that suggest its potential usefulness as a novel anticancer agent. Interestingly, the restoration of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity mediated by FTY720 could play a key role in its antitumor effects. Taking into account that PP2A inactivation is a common event that determines poor outcome in several tumor types, FTY720 could serve as an alternative therapeutic strategy for cancer patients with such alterations.

Keywords:

• Cancer
• Fingolimod
• FTY720
• PP2A
• Therapy

Declaration of funding

This work was supported by PT13/0010/0012, PI13/02609 and PI15/00934 grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III FEDER.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

R.M. and P.G.-A. have disclosed that they have been supported by Fundación Conchita Rábago de Jiménez Díaz. I.C., J.M.-G., F.R. and J.G.-F. have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article.

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.