(What will be mentioned in this article is for advice and is not a substitute for consulting a doctor)
Common Blood Pressure Pill Could Boost Effectiveness of Certain Cancer Treatments
Data reveals taking blood pressure medicine at night is beneficial
Board certified rheumatologist Dr. Mahsa Tehrani discusses treating high blood pressure on 'America Reports.'
Video source: foxnews.com
Key Points:
Telmisartan, a common blood pressure medication, may enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
The drug shows potential when combined with PARP inhibitors like olaparib.
Early research suggests telmisartan may improve multiple cancer therapies, but human trials are still needed.
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Recent research has uncovered a surprising potential in a widely used blood pressure medication. Telmisartan, an FDA-approved drug for hypertension and heart health, may also help certain cancer treatments work more effectively. Scientists are exploring how this inexpensive and generally safe medication could help the immune system better recognize and attack tumors, opening new possibilities for cancer therapy.
Researchers at Dartmouth Health in New Hampshire discovered that telmisartan can cause increased DNA damage in cancer cells. This makes the tumors more visible to the immune system, boosting the effectiveness of cancer therapies like olaparib, a PARP inhibitor used for certain cancers. The study found that combining telmisartan with olaparib led to increased production of type I interferons, which help the immune system detect and attack cancer cells, and reduced PD-L1 levels in tumor cells, a protein that tumors use to evade immune attacks. Dr. Tyler J. Curiel, lead researcher at Dartmouth, noted, “Telmisartan has several distinct anti-cancer effects that, together with targeted therapy, could make tumors more responsive to distinct types of treatments.” Interestingly, other drugs in the same class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) did not show these anti-cancer properties, making telmisartan unique.
While the findings are promising, experts caution that the research is still in its early stages. Dr. Joshua G. Cohen, MD, medical director of the Gynecologic Cancer Program at City of Hope Orange County, highlighted that large studies indicate ARBs are safe and do not increase cancer risk. However, the current evidence comes primarily from laboratory and animal studies, not humans. Telmisartan may be less effective for cancers without DNA damage, and resistance to olaparib can still develop over time. Dr. Cohen emphasized, “Much more research – including clinical trials – is needed to determine whether combining telmisartan with PARP inhibitors is safe or effective for treating ovarian cancer.”
Encouragingly, Dartmouth researchers are already testing telmisartan in patients through two clinical trials: one focused on advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to hormone therapy, and another on ovarian cancer resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. Dr. Curiel explained, “Our goal is to determine whether this combination approach can help more patients benefit from greater effectiveness of PARP inhibitors and other cancer treatment classes and potentially overcome resistance to these drugs.” Telmisartan’s established safety profile in blood pressure management makes it a promising candidate for repurposing in oncology.
It’s important to understand the limitations of the current research. No human patients were included in the initial studies, long-term outcomes and survival data are not yet available, and effectiveness may vary depending on tumor type and DNA damage presence. Patients interested in this treatment should consult their oncology team before considering combining telmisartan with cancer therapies.
The discovery that a common, inexpensive blood pressure medication could enhance cancer treatments is an exciting development in oncology. While still early, these findings illustrate the potential of repurposing well-understood drugs to improve patient outcomes, reduce treatment resistance, and make advanced therapies more accessible. As ongoing clinical trials progress, telmisartan may emerge as a valuable ally in the fight against cancer, demonstrating how innovation can sometimes come from the most unexpected places.
Key Points Summary
Telmisartan may enhance immune response to tumors by increasing DNA damage and lowering PD-L1.
Early studies show improved efficacy of PARP inhibitors like olaparib in lab and animal models.
Human clinical trials are ongoing for advanced prostate and ovarian cancers.
Only telmisartan, not other ARBs, showed these anti-cancer properties.
Further research is needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness in patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is telmisartan?
A: Telmisartan is an FDA-approved medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Q: How does telmisartan help in cancer treatment?
A: It increases DNA damage in cancer cells, boosts type I interferons, and reduces PD-L1 levels, making tumors more detectable by the immune system.
Q: Is this treatment already available for cancer patients?
A: No, telmisartan is being tested in ongoing clinical trials, but it is not yet an approved cancer therapy.
Q: Are there risks in combining telmisartan with cancer drugs?
A: While telmisartan is generally safe for blood pressure, its combination with cancer drugs requires clinical evaluation. Patients should consult their oncologists.
Q: Which cancers are being studied?
A: Current trials focus on advanced prostate cancer and ovarian cancer resistant to chemotherapy.
Sources
Fox News – Overview of telmisartan’s potential to improve cancer treatments
https://www.foxnews.com/health/common-blood-pressure-pill-could-make-certain-cancer-treatments-powerfulJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer – Original research on telmisartan and PARP inhibitors
https://jitc.bmj.com/content/14/3/e012426
Disclaimer:
What is mentioned in this article is for advice and is not a substitute for consulting a doctor
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