Repurposing the Anti-Fungal Drug Itraconazole for the Treatment of Skin Cutaneous Melanoma: An in-Silico Study

Context: Itraconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, is being explored for its anti-cancer properties through in-silico approaches.  Aims: To investigate the repurposing potential of itraconazole against Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM) using network pharmacology and molecular docking.  Methods and Material: Target genes were identified using SwissTargetPrediction and TargetNet. SKCM-associated genes were collected from GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, gene expression profiling, and docking studies were performed.  Statistical analysis used: Survival analysis and stage-wise expression were assessed using GEPIA2.  Results: Key genes identified included TNF, CASP8, EGFR, MAPK14, MMP9. Docking studies confirmed strong binding with several targets including MMP9 and CASP3.  Conclusions: Itraconazole shows promise as a therapeutic candidate in SKCM via modulation of apoptosis and immune pathways. Further experimental validation is warranted.