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Repurposing beta-blockers for combinatory cancer treatment: effects on conventional and immune therapies

Rachel Massalee1, Xuefang Cao1,2

  • 1Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|January 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Beta-blockers (BBs) may improve cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor cell growth and boosting immunity. This review explores their potential synergy with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and differences between BB types.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Beta-adrenergic receptor signaling promotes tumor cell proliferation and suppresses anti-tumor immunity, potentially hindering cancer control.
  • Beta-blockers (BBs) inhibit this signaling pathway, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer.
  • Understanding the role of BBs in cancer progression and treatment response is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Beta-blocker (BB) use and tumor progression and treatment response.
  • To explore the synergistic potential of BBs with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
  • To differentiate the roles of Non-selective Beta Blockers (NSBBs) and Selective Beta Blockers (SBBs) in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research findings on Beta-blockers in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies examining the combination of BBs with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
  • Exploration of the impact of different BB classes (NSBBs vs. SBBs) on cancer outcomes.

Main Results:

  • BBs show potential in enhancing chemotherapy and immunotherapy effectiveness.
  • BBs may play a role in augmenting the body's natural immune response against tumors.
  • Distinctions exist between NSBBs and SBBs regarding their contributions to combination cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • BBs present both potential benefits and challenges in improving cancer treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the optimal use of BBs in oncology.
  • Personalized approaches considering BB type and cancer context are likely necessary for maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Keywords:
beta blockerschemotherapyimmunotherapynon selective beta blockersselective beta blocker

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