Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for triple negative breast cancer, one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer, by finding that beta blockers can halt its progression in some patients. The cheap blood pressure medication works by dampening the effects of stress hormones and has been found to slow down tumor growth.
Research led by Monash University in Melbourne identified a mechanism behind how beta blockers work to fight breast cancer. They discovered that these medications can switch off a gene called HOXC12, which drives the spread of cancer when a specific receptor is activated.
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure and have been found to reduce mortality rates in people with triple negative breast cancer. The researchers believe their findings could lead to identifying patients who will benefit from beta blocker therapy at diagnosis, giving them an opportunity to slow down their cancer’s progression.
Triple negative breast cancer accounts for 15% of all breast cancers in the UK and US and is often challenging to treat due to its fast growth rate and limited treatment options. The researchers call for further studies to determine if the gene can be used to identify patients who will benefit from beta blocker therapy, which could improve their chances of survival.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15020787/cheap-medicine-breast-cancer-beta-blockers-triple-negative.html