There is a great discussion about the effectiveness of antidepressants. Many psychologists argue that they are of no use, either against depression or other health conditions. mental health. On the other hand, other psychologists and practically all psychiatrists point out that, although care must be taken when and why they are prescribed, they are effective and constitute a good complement to psychological therapyto. But it seems that therapy is not the only thing they can complement, as concluded in a study that describes the positive effects of combine antidepressants with cancer immunotherapy.
Specifically, this study, which was published at the end of 2023referred to the antidepressant ansofaxine hydrochloride. Although in China, where the research was carried out, it is approved for cases of major depressionthe health authorities of other countries They haven’t given the green light yet for its administration. This is because it is still considered almost an experimental drug. However, its effects for enhance cancer therapies They have become another reason to study it in depth.
Previous studies have been carried out in which other antidepressants were combined with immunotherapy. But this one in particular seems to have a broader spectrum and, in addition, produce less side effects in patients. It is an interesting discovery, but there is still a lot to investigate, since it is not known how these drugs can enhance each other. Stress reduction may help, but there must be something more and that is what needs to be investigated.
Promising results in mice
The first experiments of this combination of antidepressants and immunotherapy have been carried out with mice and colon cancer cell cultures. In both cases, it has been observed that the use of this drug together with immunotherapy caused a more powerful defensive response by the immune system. Furthermore, this was left with memory to attack cancer cells again when necessary.
Specifically, it seems that ansofaxine hydrochloride acts mainly on the cells CD8+Tone of the best weapons that the immune system has against cancer.
However, an increase in the levels of other important immune cells such as natural killers or macrophages. By testing the combination of antidepressants and immunotherapy, it was possible to completely eliminate the tumors of the 20% of the samplewhich is much more effective than if immunotherapy alone was tried.
Other combinations of antidepressants with immunotherapy
This is not the first study to analyze a combination of antidepressants with immunotherapy. A good part of the antidepressants used today are those known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Its functionas its name suggests, is prevent or delay the reabsorption of serotoninso that its effects on the cells of the nervous system are maintained for longer.
In the case of ansofaxine hydrochloride, it not only inhibits serotonin reuptake. It also does the same with dopamine and norepinephrine, so its effects are broader. This makes it a great candidate, although it is not the only antidepressant drug of this type. The fluoxetine It has similar effects, which is why its combination with cancer immunotherapy has also been tested.
The problem is that it is a much older drug, which takes longer to act and can cause a greater number of side effects. The same thing happens with the sertralinea serotonin reuptake inhibitor that, in combination with immunotherapy, has helped neutralize human cancer cells from breast, lung, liver or brain tumors, among others.
Now, neither these nor any antidepressants work alone against cancer. They should only be used in combination with anti-cancer treatments. The best combination is antidepressants and immunotherapy, so further research should be carried out along these lines. It could be a good boost against this terrible disease.