Pro-cancer and anti-cancer effects of sildenafil: a mini-review

Sildenafil is primarily used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction because of its ability to enhance nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in the corpus cavernosum. Recent studies have highlighted its potential anti-cancer effects in various cancer types. Simultaneously, concerns have been raised abou...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inReproductive and developmental medicine Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 129 - 132
Main Authors Wang, Yan, Zhao, Bin, Wan, Zheng
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.06.2025
Subjects
Pro-cancer impacts
Anti-cancer efficacy
Sildenafil
Mini-review
Online AccessGet full text
ISSN2096-2924
2589-8728
DOI10.1097/RD9.0000000000000125

Cover

More Information
Summary:Sildenafil is primarily used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction because of its ability to enhance nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in the corpus cavernosum. Recent studies have highlighted its potential anti-cancer effects in various cancer types. Simultaneously, concerns have been raised about its possible pro-cancer activity, with multiple studies suggesting a link between sildenafil use and an increased risk of melanoma. Although this causal link remains uncertain, the dual oncological effects of this drug require careful consideration in clinical applications. This mini-review aims to explore the current evidence on the anti-cancer and pro-cancer effects of sildenafil, offering insights into its judicious use in Oncology.
Bibliography:Received: 2 January 2025 Accepted: 24 February 2025 Edited by: Yong-Qing Zhu Yan Wang and Bin Zhao contributed equally as the co-first authors. How to cite this article: Wang Y, Zhao B, Wan Z. Pro-cancer and anti-cancer effects of sildenafil: a mini-review. Reprod Dev Med 2025;9(2):129-132. doi: 10.1097/RD9.0000000000000125 *Corresponding to: Zheng Wan, Department of Minimally Invasive and Interventional Therapy for Cancer, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China. E-mail: wanzheng0626@xmu.edu.cn
ISSN:2096-2924
2589-8728
DOI:10.1097/RD9.0000000000000125