Repurposing the Anti-Fungal Drug Itraconazole for the Treatment of Skin Cutaneous Melanoma: An in-Silico Study


Authors : Harish Kumar E; Dr. Ariharasivakumar Ganesan

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2snsmz5w

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4w9bv9f8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug1060

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Abstract : Context: Itraconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, is being explored for its anti-cancer properties through in-silico approaches.  Aims: To investigate the repurposing potential of itraconazole against Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) using network pharmacology and molecular docking.  Methods and Material: Target genes were identified using SwissTargetPrediction and TargetNet. SKCM-associated genes were collected from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, gene expression profiling, and docking studies were performed.  Statistical analysis used: Survival analysis and stage-wise expression were assessed using GEPIA2.  Results: Key genes identified included TNF, CASP8, EGFR, MAPK14, MMP9. Docking studies confirmed strong binding with several targets including MMP9 and CASP3.  Conclusions: Itraconazole shows promise as a therapeutic candidate in SKCM via modulation of apoptosis and immune pathways. Further experimental validation is warranted.

Keywords : Itraconazole, Skin Cutaneous Melanoma, Network Pharmacology, in-Silico, Molecular Docking, Gene Expression.

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Context: Itraconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, is being explored for its anti-cancer properties through in-silico approaches.  Aims: To investigate the repurposing potential of itraconazole against Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) using network pharmacology and molecular docking.  Methods and Material: Target genes were identified using SwissTargetPrediction and TargetNet. SKCM-associated genes were collected from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, gene expression profiling, and docking studies were performed.  Statistical analysis used: Survival analysis and stage-wise expression were assessed using GEPIA2.  Results: Key genes identified included TNF, CASP8, EGFR, MAPK14, MMP9. Docking studies confirmed strong binding with several targets including MMP9 and CASP3.  Conclusions: Itraconazole shows promise as a therapeutic candidate in SKCM via modulation of apoptosis and immune pathways. Further experimental validation is warranted.

Keywords : Itraconazole, Skin Cutaneous Melanoma, Network Pharmacology, in-Silico, Molecular Docking, Gene Expression.

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Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

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