Trial watch: beta-blockers in cancer therapy.
Killian Carnet Le ProvostOliver KeppGuido KroemerLucillia BezuPublished in: Oncoimmunology (2023)
Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that stress negatively impacts cancer development and prognosis. Irrespective of its physical, biological or psychological source, stress triggers a physiological response that is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic adrenal medullary axis. The resulting release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines into the systemic circulation leads to neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptations that can affect immune homeostasis and immunosurveillance, thus impairing the detection and eradication of malignant cells. Moreover, catecholamines directly act on β-adrenoreceptors present on tumor cells, thereby stimulating survival, proliferation, and migration of nascent neoplasms. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that blocking adrenergic receptors slows tumor growth, suggesting potential clinical benefits of using β-blockers in cancer therapy. Much of these positive effects of β-blockade are mediated by improved immunosurveillance. The present trial watch summarizes current knowledge from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of β-blockers either as standalone agents or in combination with conventional antineoplastic treatments or immunotherapy.
Keyphrases
- cancer therapy
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- drug delivery
- phase iii
- study protocol
- induced apoptosis
- phase ii
- clinical trial
- angiotensin ii
- cell therapy
- papillary thyroid
- mental health
- healthcare
- physical activity
- randomized controlled trial
- stress induced
- cell cycle arrest
- squamous cell
- high intensity
- stem cells
- young adults
- heat stress
- free survival
- squamous cell carcinoma
- loop mediated isothermal amplification
- climate change
- signaling pathway
- mesenchymal stem cells
- depressive symptoms
- drug induced