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Updated: Feb 21, 2026

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2017
Targeting the renin-angiotensin system to improve cancer treatment: Implications for immunotherapy
Matthias Pinter1,2, Rakesh K Jain3
1Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (RASi)-widely prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases-have considerable potential in oncology. The RAS plays a crucial role in cancer biology and affects tumor growth and dissemination directly and indirectly by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. We review clinical data on the benefit of RASi in primary and metastatic tumors and propose that, by activating immunostimulatory pathways, these inhibitors can enhance immunotherapy of cancer.
Insights
Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors show promise in cancer treatment by impacting tumor growth and the microenvironment. These drugs may enhance cancer immunotherapy by activating immune pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in cancer biology, influencing tumor progression and metastasis.
- RAS inhibitors (RASi) are established treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical evidence for RAS inhibitors in oncology.
- To explore the potential of RASi in enhancing cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data on RAS inhibitors in primary and metastatic tumors.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which RAS affects the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- RAS plays a significant role in tumor growth and dissemination.
- RAS inhibitors may modulate the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- RAS inhibitors have potential applications in cancer treatment.
- Activating immunostimulatory pathways with RASi could improve immunotherapy outcomes.
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