Drugs routinely prescribed to treat high blood pressure may also decrease patients' colorectal cancer risk, according to new research published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) medications are prescribed for conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure or heart disease. These medications inhibit or block angiotensin, a chemical that causes arteries to become narrow.
‘Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer development.’
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Doctors commonly prescribe these medications to people with high blood pressure to relax and open blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.Read More..
Based on the findings of this large study, taking these medications may also reduce colorectal cancer risk. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
"The roles of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on cancer development are controversial and, in some cases, study findings are conflicting. Results of previous studies have been limited by several factors including a small number of patients and data only on short-term follow-ups.
Our results provide new insights on a potential role of these medications for colorectal cancer prevention," said study author Wai K. Leung, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China.
"This is the first study to show the potential beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on colorectal cancer development, based on a large group of patients who were colorectal cancer-free at the beginning of the study."
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This is a retrospective study, looking back at whether patients on these medications developed colorectal cancer. Researchers note that the results should be verified with a prospective randomized controlled study, which would actively follow patients to determine the potential benefits of these medications on colorectal cancer risk.
Source-Eurekalert