Cell death induced by a non-selective calcium channel blocker (Fendiline) in colorectal and breast cancer cells

Background: Breast and colorectal cancer are two leading malignancies. Potential of available chemotherapies against these cancers need to be explored. Fendiline is a calcium channel blocker and has shown anticancer potential against cancers. By using the in vitro approach, we studied the toxic effects of fendiline against breast and colorectal cancer. Methods: Cancer cell lines for breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and colorectal (SW480, SW620, Caco-2) were cultured and exposed to fendiline (0.75-100µM) for three-time intervals (24-72h). Resulting toxic effects were explored by using a dye reduction assay and were compared as percentages of untreated controls. Results: All the selected cancer cell lines showed comparable toxic profile of fendiline (IC50: 5.9-9.3µM, 72h). The cell lines demonstrated a steep decline in the growth curve at concentrations higher than 6.25µM. The toxic effects were concentration and time dependent in all five cell lines representing breast and colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Fendiline holds a very promising cytotoxicity profile against breast and colorectal cancer. Provided with further studies, the drug can be used against the two malignancies in clinical scenarios.