Sildenafil (Viagra) may help stop cancer from spreading. New research shows it raises cGMP, which blocks the cholestero…
By Mark Kretschmann · Research
Sildenafil (Viagra) may help stop cancer from spreading. New research shows it raises cGMP, which blocks the cholesterol transporter NPC1. This traps cholesterol inside lysosomes, starving cancer cells of the cholesterol they need to migrate and form metastases. Cancer cells are especially sensitive to this effect. Combining it with statins strengthens the result. Real-world health records also link sildenafil use to better survival in cancer patients. A surprising new role for an old drug.