Targeting fibrotic pathways such as TGF-β, FGF, and PDGF signalling, with medications like nintedanib and pirfenidone, may help overcome the resistance mechanisms associated with MAPK inhibitor therapy. This review unravels the complex interactions between MAPK inhibitors and anti-fibrotic drugs in the treatment of melanoma, highlighting how they might work together to remodel the TME and overcome treatment resistance. Implementing this combinatorial method could lead to novel approaches for long-term melanoma control and provide a model for anti-fibrotic-based treatments for other solid cancers.
Combination of pirfenidone and simvastatin demonstrated a synergistic therapeutic effect in reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in an L-arginine-induced chronic pancreatitis mouse model, suggesting promise for chronic pancreatitis management.
Targeting these pathways, including BMPR2 restoration, TGF-β inhibition, and tyrosine kinase blockade, has shown encouraging results beyond the vasodilator-focused standard of care. These innovations may reshape PAH management by improving outcomes, and potentially altering disease progression.