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Targeting the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System (RAAS) for Cardiovascular Protection and Enhanced Oncological
J Pawlonka1, B Buchalska2, K Buczma2
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. jan.pawlonka@wum.edu.pl.
Opinion Statement:
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a crucial regulator of the cardiovascular system and a target for widely used therapeutic drugs. Dysregulation of RAAS, implicated in prevalent diseases like hypertension and heart failure, has recently gained attention in oncological contexts due to its role in tumor biology and cardiovascular toxicities (CVTs). Thus, RAAS inhibitors (RAASi) may be used as potential supplementary therapies in cancer treatment and CVT prevention. Oncological treatments have evolved significantly, impacting patient survival and safety profiles. However, they pose cardiovascular risks, necessitating strategies for mitigating adverse effects. The main drug classes used in oncology include anthracyclines, anti-HER2 therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitors (VSPI). While effective against cancer, these drugs induce varying CVTs. RAASi adjunctive therapy shows promise in enhancing clinical outcomes and protecting the cardiovascular system. Understanding RAAS involvement in cancer and CVT can inform personalized treatment approaches and improve patient care.
Insights
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) impacts cancer and cardiovascular toxicities (CVTs). RAAS inhibitors may offer protective benefits in cancer therapy and CVT prevention, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is vital for cardiovascular regulation and a therapeutic target.
- RAAS dysregulation is linked to hypertension, heart failure, and increasingly, cancer biology and associated cardiovascular toxicities (CVTs).
- Modern oncological treatments, including anthracyclines, anti-HER2 therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and VEGF inhibitors, significantly improve survival but carry substantial cardiovascular risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the RAAS in cancer development and treatment-related CVTs.
- To evaluate the potential of RAAS inhibitors (RAASi) as supplementary therapies for cancer treatment.
- To assess the utility of RAASi in preventing or mitigating CVTs associated with oncological therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on RAAS, cancer, and cardiovascular toxicities.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which RAAS influences tumor growth and cardiovascular health.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data regarding the use of RAAS inhibitors in oncological settings.
Main Results:
- RAAS plays a complex role in tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Various cancer therapies induce distinct patterns of CVTs, highlighting the need for targeted cardioprotective strategies.
- Emerging evidence suggests RAAS inhibitors may ameliorate certain CVTs and potentially enhance anti-cancer efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the intricate relationship between RAAS, cancer, and CVTs is crucial for advancing patient care.
- RAAS inhibitors represent a promising adjunctive therapeutic strategy for both managing cancer and preventing its cardiovascular complications.
- Personalized treatment approaches integrating RAAS modulation could significantly improve oncological treatment outcomes and patient safety.
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