Antiproliferative effects of intravenous lidocaine and recurrence of cancer and cancer recurrence

Abstract

Backround: Current evidence suggests that oncologic surgery, therapeutics used in treatment of solid tumors, may paradoxically increase the risk of metastasis due to stress, immunosuppression, and perioperative inflammation. Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic commonly used in oncologic surgery. Lidocaine has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, allowing it to reduce the neuroendocrine response to stress. Preclinical studies also indicate that lidocaine in vitro and in vivo induces cytotoxic effects by interfering with the pathogenic processes of tumor progression and metastasis. Objectives: In this context, the working hypothesis of several clinical investigations has been that intravenous administration of lidocaine perioperatively would reduce tumor progression. This narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence on the antiproliferative mechanisms of lidocaine and its possible influence on cancer recurrence.