Medicines commonly prescribed to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease may have an unexpected role in cancer therapy, according to a new study from Finland. Researchers have found that a class of anemia drugs known as HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) can interfere with cancer-related processes, potentially helping patients manage both anemia and tumor progression at the same time.
The study, led by Professor Thomas Kietzmann from the University of Oulu in collaboration with scientists from the University of Eastern Finland, revealed that these drugs affect cellular metabolism, growth, and blood vessel formation through mechanisms that extend beyond their known mode of action.
HIF-PHIs are currently approved for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. They work by stabilizing proteins called hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which help the body respond to low oxygen levels and stimulate red blood cell production. However, the latest findings suggest the drugs may exert additional biological effects that could be valuable in oncology.
During laboratory investigations, researchers observed that HIF-PHIs were able to suppress cell growth and reduce angiogenesis—the process by which tumors develop new blood vessels to support their expansion. Surprisingly, these effects occurred even in the absence of key oxygen-sensing proteins such as HIF-1α and HIF-2α, indicating the drugs may operate through previously unrecognized pathways.
According to the researchers, this discovery challenges current understanding of how HIF-PHIs function within the body and opens new avenues for therapeutic development.
The findings are particularly relevant for cancer patients, many of whom experience anemia as a result of the disease itself or from chemotherapy treatment. Traditionally, anemia management and cancer treatment are addressed separately. The researchers believe HIF-PHIs could potentially provide a dual benefit by improving red blood cell production while simultaneously limiting tumor growth.
Professor Kietzmann noted that combining these medications with standard chemotherapy regimens could enhance treatment outcomes and improve quality of life for patients dealing with both cancer and anemia.
While the results are promising, the researchers caution that the findings are currently based on laboratory studies. Further clinical research will be required to determine whether the observed anti-cancer effects translate into benefits for patients.
The team is actively seeking collaborations with oncologists and clinical researchers to initiate studies in cancer patients suffering from tumor-related anemia. They believe such partnerships could accelerate the path toward clinical trials and help evaluate whether HIF-PHIs can be incorporated into future cancer treatment strategies.
The study was published in the journal *Redox Biology* and received funding support from the Research Council of Finland and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
If confirmed in clinical trials, the discovery could transform an existing anemia treatment into a valuable addition to cancer care, offering a rare opportunity to tackle two major complications with a single therapeutic approach.
