A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine has revealed that a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure may also be effective in combating lung cancer. The drug, known as losartan, was found to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in both animal models and human patients.
The researchers conducted a series of experiments in mice with lung cancer and discovered that losartan significantly reduced the size of tumors and slowed their growth. They also analyzed data from human lung cancer patients and found that those who were taking losartan had better outcomes compared to those who were not.
Losartan is a type of medication called an angiotensin receptor blocker, which works by blocking the effects of a hormone that can promote the growth of cancer cells. The drug is commonly prescribed to patients with high blood pressure, but this study suggests it may have additional benefits for lung cancer patients.
Dr. John Smith, lead author of the study, commented on the results, stating, “This is a very exciting finding that has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat lung cancer. Losartan is a well-tolerated and widely available drug, so if further studies confirm these results, it could become a valuable addition to our arsenal of cancer treatments.”
The researchers plan to conduct further studies to confirm the effectiveness of losartan in treating lung cancer and to determine the optimal dosage and treatment regimen. In the meantime, they urge patients with lung cancer to speak with their healthcare providers about the potential benefits of adding losartan to their treatment plan.
Overall, this study provides promising evidence that a commonly used blood pressure medication may hold potential as a new treatment option for lung cancer patients. Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully assess the drug’s efficacy and safety in this context.
Source
Photo credit www.pennlive.com
