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Cancer drug not fully confirmed for Alzheimer's treatment

Submitted by Fiona McPherson on

Last year, a cancer drug, Bexarotene, was touted as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, four independent studies have now failed to replicate the most dramatic result of the original study: a claim that the drug could clear half the amyloid plaques in a mere 72 hours.

Still, two of the studies confirmed findings that the drug reduced levels of amyloid-beta, and one showed improved cognition in mice.

The inconsistencies suggest more research is needed. The drug is now being tested in humans.

http://www.nature.com/news/studies-cast-doubt-on-cancer-drug-as-alzheimer-s-treatment-1.13058

Shen, H. (2013). Studies cast doubt on cancer drug as Alzheimer’s treatment. Nature. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/nature.2013.13058 (Original work published 2013)

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