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Review
. 2020 Nov;33(6):806-813.
doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12918. Epub 2020 Aug 16.

Antihypertensives and melanoma: An updated review

Natalie M Williams  1 , Louis T Vincent  2 , Gregor A Rodriguez  2 , Keyvan Nouri  1
Affiliations
Review

Antihypertensives and melanoma: An updated review

Natalie M Williams et al. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Antihypertensive medications are commonly prescribed and well-studied. Given the widespread use and potential side effects, various theories have been made about the relationship between antihypertensives and malignancy, including melanoma. This review describes the current understanding of the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives and their associations with melanoma. The literature demonstrates that diuretics, specifically hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide, may increase the risk of melanoma. While there is no evidence that antihypertensives have a role in melanoma prevention, non-selective β-blocker therapy has been associated with a decreased risk of disease progression and recurrence and may also improve outcomes in patients undergoing immunotherapy. In addition, experimental studies reveal that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers have anti-tumor effects, meriting further study.

Keywords: adrenergic beta-antagonists; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; antihypertensive agents; calcium channel blockers; diuretics; melanoma.

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References

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