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Review
. 2024 Jan 9:14:1325050.
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1325050. eCollection 2023.

Repurposing beta-blockers for combinatory cancer treatment: effects on conventional and immune therapies

Rachel Massalee  1 , Xuefang Cao  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Repurposing beta-blockers for combinatory cancer treatment: effects on conventional and immune therapies

Rachel Massalee et al. Front Pharmacol. .

Abstract

Beta-adrenergic receptor signaling regulates cellular processes associated with facilitating tumor cell proliferation and dampening anti-tumor immune response. These cellular processes may lead to compromised tumor control and cancer progression. Based on this ramification, Beta-blockers (BBs) have emerged as a potential treatment by inhibiting beta-adrenergic receptor signaling. This review aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of BBs and tumor progression and treatment response. Therefore, the authors explored several aspects: the potential synergistic relationship of BBs with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatments and their role in boosting endogenous immunity. Further, this review explores the distinctions between the major types of BBs: Non-selective Beta Blockers (NSBBs) and Selective Beta Blockers (SBBs), and their contributions to combinatory cancer treatment. In this review, we presented a perspective interpretation of research findings and future directions. Overall, this review discusses the potential and challenge that BBs present in improving the effectiveness and outcome of cancer treatment.

Keywords: beta blockers; chemotherapy; immunotherapy; non selective beta blockers; selective beta blocker.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Depicts the transcription factors, signaling, and effector molecules involved in the upregulation of immune response following β2-AR blockade.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Illustrates the potential signaling pathways of selective β2-blocker, ICI-118,551 (ICI), showcasing direct effect on tumor cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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