Scientists at Monash University have found that beta-blockers, which are used to manage blood pressure, could strongly enhance the effects of chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by reducing metastasis.
Anthracyclines are a type of chemotherapy drug used to treat TNBC.
Researchers from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences previously discovered that beta-blockers are linked with less cancer spread in a clinical trial.
However, it was unclear how beta-blockers would interact with common cancer treatments.
In a new study, the Monash team used mouse models of cancer and analyzed large-scale patient clinical data to discover that anthracycline chemotherapy on its own induces nerve growth in tumors.
However, adding a beta-blocker to chemotherapy inhibited nerve fiber activity in tumors and stopped the cancer from coming back after treatment.
Dr. Aeson Chang, the study’s lead author, said that the findings reveal an unanticipated insight into why chemotherapy treatment does not always work as it should.
In mouse models of TNBC, anthracycline chemotherapy increased sympathetic nerve fiber activity in tumors, which can help tumor cells spread.
Fortunately, beta-blockers could stop this effect, and the addition of beta-blockers inhibited nerve fiber activity in tumors, stopping cancer from coming back after treatment.
Senior author Professor Erica Sloan, who has been exploring the use of beta-blockers as a novel strategy to slow cancer progression for a number of years, said the study provides important clues about why beta-blockers may help improve the clinical management of TNBC.
Sloan added that beta-blocker use has been consistently linked to reduced metastatic relapse and cancer-specific survival in TNBC patients.
However, the lack of understanding of how beta-blockers improve chemotherapy, which is a core component of the standard treatment for TNBC, has limited the translation of these findings into the cancer clinic.
The findings suggest that beta-blockers may help improve outcomes for patients with TNBC.
The research presents an exciting opportunity to further explore the use of beta-blockers as a novel strategy in the treatment of TNBC.
How to prevent breast cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably. It can affect women and men, but it is more common in women.
Although there are some risk factors for breast cancer that cannot be controlled, such as age and family history, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
This is because fat cells produce estrogen, and high levels of estrogen in the body can increase the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of breast cancer by reducing inflammation in the body and helping to regulate hormone levels.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Women who drink more than one alcoholic drink per day have an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not drink at all.
If you do drink alcohol, limit your consumption to one drink per day or less.
Don’t Smoke: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about quitting.
Breastfeed: Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women. Breastfeeding for at least a year can provide the most protective effect.
Get Screened: Early detection is key in treating breast cancer. Women should begin getting mammograms starting at age 40 or earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.
Talk to your healthcare provider about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk and if you should undergo genetic testing.
Knowing your risk can help you take steps to prevent breast cancer or detect it early.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Remember to also talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have about breast cancer and how to prevent it.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about a major cause of deadly breast cancer, and new cancer vaccines could prevent cancer recurrence.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about drug combo that may stop spread of cancer, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.
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