A study suggests that montelukast, a common asthma drug, may enhance cancer immunotherapy by blocking CysLTR1, a receptor tumors use to dampen immune responses, potentially slowing tumor growth and boosting immune attack in lab and animal models.

Researchers say next steps include confirming the mechanism in patients, identifying which patients would benefit most, and optimizing use in combination with immunotherapies through carefully designed clinical trials.

Because montelukast and related CysLTR1 blockers are FDA-approved, researchers indicate that patient trials in cancer could begin soon, with a focus on aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer and on identifying those who stand to benefit.

There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for reducing suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry involved 50 adults and notes the need for larger trials due to small sample size and exclusion of individuals with substance use disorders, highlighting the lack of an approved medication for this purpose.

The report reiterates that no FDA-approved drug targets suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder, and further research is needed to confirm findings and determine optimal treatment duration.

The study cautions that a rapid move to trials should not be mistaken for readiness for standard cancer treatment, underscoring the need for ongoing safety and efficacy updates.

Findings were presented at the American Psychiatric Association meeting in San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

There is ongoing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies and related pharmacologic enhancements, with comments from study leaders and context on regulatory momentum.

The core work was conducted in mice, cells, and existing datasets, with authors stressing that clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy in humans and identify which patients may benefit.

Alternative strategies, such as developing antibodies against CysLTR1, are being considered to potentially reduce side effects, though require further research.

Caveats include safety concerns with montelukast, including neuropsychiatric side effects, necessitating careful dosing, patient selection, and validation of combination strategies before routine cancer use.