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Beta-Blockers as Potential Adjuvants in Melanoma Treatment

Laura Rama1,2, Mónica Almeida1, Jiya Jose3

  • 1Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.

Toxics
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study explored repurposing beta-blockers for melanoma treatment. Certain beta-blockers, like carvedilol and metoprolol, showed potential, especially when combined with chemotherapy drugs, offering new avenues for melanoma therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Advanced melanoma presents significant therapeutic challenges due to limited treatment efficacy.
  • Rising melanoma incidence necessitates novel and more effective treatment strategies.
  • Beta-blockers, primarily used for cardiac conditions, are being investigated for repurposing in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of beta-blockers as a potential repurposed treatment for melanoma.
  • To assess the effects of specific beta-blockers (carvedilol, propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol) and chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) on melanoma cell viability.
  • To investigate synergistic interactions between beta-blockers and chemotherapy agents in melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro study using the A375 melanoma cell line.
  • Assessment of cell viability over 72 hours following exposure to various drug concentrations.
  • Determination of half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) for individual and combined drug exposures.

Main Results:

  • Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil demonstrated higher toxicity than carvedilol and propranolol.
  • Atenolol and metoprolol (beta-1 selective blockers) showed no significant impact on melanoma cell viability at tested concentrations.
  • Carvedilol and metoprolol exhibited synergistic effects with cisplatin at specific concentrations, indicating enhanced anti-cancer activity.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-blockers demonstrate concentration-dependent effects on melanoma cells.
  • Carvedilol and metoprolol show promise for melanoma treatment, particularly in combination therapies with chemotherapy.
  • Repurposing beta-blockers represents a potential new therapeutic avenue for advanced melanoma.
Keywords:
beta-blockerscancer cell linescombined exposuresdrug repurposingmelanoma

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