Oncology-related issues of angiotensin-receptor blockers

Abstract

Recently controversial data emerged regarding the cancer inducing activity of angiotensin-receptor blockers. There may be several reasons which may explain the controversial data published in the scientific literature including wrong trial design or misinterpretation of data. Considering the large number of patients receiving treatment for hypertension, it is essential to have a clear view of the cancer-related safety of these drugs. This paper tries to give an overview on this issue based on data available in the literature. According to our present knowledge, angiotensin-receptor blockers exert more likely anticancer activity rather than carcinogenesis inducing effect. In fact, some oncologic trials point to this direction, because angiotensin-receptor blockers are suggested as co-treatment to chemotherapy in cases of pancreatic, oesophageal and gastric cancers.