Cross-pollination of two specialties: potential repurposing of cancer and cardiovascular drugs for the benefit of the other.

Despite advancements in treatment, cancer and cardiovascular disease remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed nations. Cancer therapies have led to improved cancer-specific outcomes at the potential risk of cardiotoxicity. Additionally, basic and translational research have demonstrated a common shared pathophysiology of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Recent clinical research has suggested a potential role of repurposing cancer and cardiovascular medications for the treatment of each other. This narrative review aims to review and examine current literature of repurposing cancer and cardiovascular drugs via exploitation of off-target effects to benefit each condition. A better understanding of underlying pathophysiologic effects of these off-target mechanisms of action may aid in identifying novel therapeutics for both cancer and cardiovascular disease.