Repurposed Cancer Drugs Show Promise Against Alzheimer’s

Hope Emerging from Innovation

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions worldwide, slowly stealing memories and independence from loved ones. But an inspiring breakthrough from researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) and Gladstone Institutes may mark a turning point. In July 2025, scientists reported in Cell that two existing cancer drugs—letrozole and irinotecan—reversed Alzheimer’s-like brain damage and restored memory in mice.

This breakthrough doesn’t just bring scientific hope—it energizes communities like ours that have long been committed to fighting Alzheimer’s.

At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC – The Hal Blake Team, we proudly support The Alzheimer’s Association and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Every home we sell helps fund research, raise awareness, and support families impacted by dementia. Because for us, real estate isn’t only about selling homes—it’s about improving lives and supporting causes that matter.

How UCSF Researchers Found Promise in Cancer Drugs

1. Mapping the Genetic Blueprint of Alzheimer’s

Researchers first examined brain-cell gene activity from Alzheimer’s patients to identify disrupted cellular pathways. This allowed them to create a unique “gene-expression fingerprint” of the disease.

2. Mining Big Data for Existing Drugs

Using AI-driven computational tools, the team searched a massive database of FDA-approved drugs to identify which might reverse those Alzheimer’s-related gene patterns. Two drugs stood out—letrozole (commonly used for breast cancer) and irinotecan (used for colon and lung cancers).

3. Confirming the Link in Human Health Data

Next, they examined millions of patient health records and found that individuals taking these medications were statistically less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Testing in Mice

When the drugs were combined and tested in Alzheimer’s mouse models, the results were astonishing—reduced tau tangles, less brain degeneration, and restored memory performance.

While neither drug alone produced major changes, together they appeared to work synergistically to protect the brain.

Why This Matters

This discovery is a powerful example of drug repurposing—using existing medications for new purposes. Because both drugs are already FDA-approved, moving to human trials could be faster and more cost-effective than developing brand-new drugs.

But perhaps most importantly, it underscores a message of hope through collaboration—scientists, communities, and organizations working together toward a cure.

Our Commitment to the Cause

At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, we believe every great company should stand for something greater than itself. Alzheimer’s research is deeply personal to us. Through our “Real Estate with a Purpose” initiative, we commit a portion of every closed transaction to support:

• 🧠 Alzheimer’s Association Research Programs – advancing breakthrough studies like UCSF’s discovery.

• 💜 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Staten Island Chapter – funding care, support, and research initiatives.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Resources & Awareness Campaigns – helping caregivers access the tools they need.

Our mission extends far beyond real estate: we help families find homes—while helping science find cures.

When you buy or sell with us, you directly contribute to ongoing Alzheimer’s research, including pioneering work like the UCSF and Gladstone Institutes study.

💜 “Together, we’re turning the key not just to new homes—but to new hope.”
— Hal Blake, Broker/Owner, Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC

Cautions and Next Steps

While these results are encouraging, scientists emphasize that more work lies ahead. The next phase involves clinical trials in humans to test safety, dosage, and long-term effects. Alzheimer’s remains a complex disease, and not all animal-model results translate to human success.

Still, the speed and cost-efficiency of drug repurposing—combined with growing community support—means that hope has never been closer.

FAQs:

Q1: What does “drug repurposing” mean for Alzheimer’s?
It means scientists are testing already-approved medications for new uses, which can save years of research and billions in costs—potentially bringing treatments to patients faster.

Q2: Why would cancer drugs help Alzheimer’s?
These drugs alter gene-expression patterns in brain cells in ways that counteract Alzheimer’s-related damage, improving cell survival and reducing toxic protein buildup.

Q3: Can patients take these drugs now?
No. They are approved for cancer only. Alzheimer’s use remains experimental pending human clinical trials.

Q4: How is Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC involved?
We donate a portion of every transaction to Alzheimer’s research and advocacy through The Alzheimer’s Association and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Our company raises awareness across Staten Island and beyond, helping fund the very research that could one day lead to a cure.

Q5: How can I get involved or donate?
Visit www.Alz.org or join our Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s team through our referral-fundraising link at BlakeTeamReferrals.com. Every donation, referral, and shared post brings us one step closer to ending this disease.

Conclusion: Science, Community, and Hope Working Together

This breakthrough from UCSF and Gladstone Institutes reminds us that innovation and compassion go hand in hand. By identifying two FDA-approved cancer drugs—letrozole and irinotecan—that reversed Alzheimer’s effects in mice, researchers opened a potential shortcut toward life-changing treatments.

At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Advisors LLC, we’re proud to stand alongside this fight—not only as advocates but as contributors. Each home we sell fuels research, care, and hope for families living with Alzheimer’s.

💜 When you choose us, you’re not just working with a real estate company—you’re partnering with a purpose.

To learn more or to support our efforts, visit BlakeTeamReferrals.com or call 718-608-4892.