Propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas

Abstract

Purpose of review: Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of infancy and the majority of them occur in the head and neck. Recent literature has described propranolol for the treatment of these vascular tumors.

Recent findings: Propranolol was serendipitously found to induce early involution in hemangiomas even during the proliferative phase of the hemangioma cycle. First reported in June 2008, and presented at the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies meeting in Boston that same month, propranolol has stirred much interest in the physicians who treat these types of lesions. Early case report data are now appearing in the literature, and are verifying the findings of the initial studies as an effective treatment for hemangiomas. Our institution has the privilege of maintaining a high volume vascular center and we have begun treating patients with problematic hemangiomas with propranolol as well. The present article will briefly review the literature and give some of our preliminary experience with the drug.

Summary: Research regarding propranolol is in its infancy but, should the initial results and safety record be borne out, it is likely to revolutionize how we manage infantile hemangiomas.