Cancer drug could be repurposed to treat brain aneurysms

Drugs used for the treatment of cancer patients can also be used to treat brain aneurysms, claims a study. The study was published in the 'American Journal of Human Genetics'. Brain aneurysms are a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards. Treatment is difficult, involving complex surgery which is currently only attempted in select cases. Researchers have found a safer and more efficient possible treatment involving 'Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors'; a class of drug currently used to treat cancer.