Combination of oxidative phosphorylation and platelet-derived growth factor inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancers

The combination therapy of FDA approved oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors (metformin and atovaquone) and platelet derived growth factor inhibitors (sunitinib and sorafenib) could target ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and carcinoma associated mesenchymal stem cell enrichment of CSCs while reducing off-target effects. Results of a 48-hour drug exposure ovarian cancer-MSC tumoroid model showed additive effects with atovaquone combined with sunitinib or sorafenib being most effective.