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.

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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