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The adrenergic receptor antagonists propranolol and carvedilol decrease bone sarcoma cell viability and sustained
Megan M Duckett1, Shee Kwan Phung1, Linh Nguyen1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota.
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology
|November 29, 2019
Summary
Adrenergic receptor antagonists, propranolol and carvedilol, reduced sarcoma cell viability. Prolonged exposure to these agents enhanced radiosensitivity in canine osteosarcoma cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are expressed in tumors and influence cancer progression.
- AR antagonists like propranolol and carvedilol show anti-cancer effects and may impact radiation resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of propranolol and carvedilol on sarcoma cell viability and radiosensitivity.
- To determine if AR antagonists can enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy in sarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability assays were performed on four primary bone sarcoma cell lines treated with propranolol or carvedilol.
- Immunoblot analysis confirmed AR expression.
- Clonogenic survival assays assessed radiosensitivity after radiation exposure.
Main Results:
- Both propranolol and carvedilol inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with carvedilol being more potent.
- AR expression was confirmed, but baseline levels did not correlate with radiosensitivity.
- Prolonged exposure to propranolol and carvedilol significantly increased radiosensitivity in canine osteosarcoma cells post-radiation.
Conclusions:
- Propranolol and carvedilol demonstrate anti-proliferative effects on sarcoma cells.
- Prolonged treatment with these AR antagonists can enhance radiosensitivity, particularly in canine osteosarcoma.
- Further research into carvedilol for sarcoma treatment is warranted, especially considering potential in vivo activity.
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