A common heart drug may stop the progression
of angiosarcoma, a cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels,
according to a study by researchers at Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center (TTUHSC) El Paso.
Angiosarcomas are highly lethal tumors that can occur in any part of the body. The tumor typically appears as a growth or lesion on the skin; the larger the growth, the greater the risk of mortality.
Previous research in Bryan's lab suggested that propranolol, a drug
that's typically used for high blood pressure, might be effective against
angiosarcomas, so Chow and Bryan proceeded to use the medication for
treatment.
After one week of the propranolol treatment, the tumor ceased its
rapid expansion and showed no evidence of clinical enlargement or
extension. Within six months of use of propranolol, and eventually, added
chemotherapy and radiation,the tumor was undetectable. The
results are published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
The finding is not only promising against cancer, but for patient
finances. Current prescription drug therapies for sarcomas can cost
patients more than $10,000 a month. Propranolol, however, costs about $4
a month.
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