Glaucoma drug ROCK inhibitors eyed for aggressive cancer treatment

Scientists at the Institute for Cancer Research in London have identified that drugs used to treat glaucoma, which block the ROCK (Rho kinase) molecule, could be repurposed to treat several aggressive cancers. The study, published in the journal iScience, showed effectiveness in laboratory models of breast cancer, melanoma and acute myeloid leukaemia, and suggested that specific molecular markers can identify patients most likely to benefit.

Because the ROCK‑inhibiting eye drops are already approved and have known safety profiles, repurposing them could accelerate clinical testing and eventual patient access if further trials confirm the findings.