title: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for cancer treatment?
abstract: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) prescribed for cardiovascular and renal disease since 1980 are widely atoxic and several experimental studies and one epidemiological study have demonstrated an effect of ACEi on cancer. ACEi has the effect of modifying gene expression; inhibiting proliferation and invasion of cancer cells; reducing endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro, whereas tumour growth and metastasis were inhibited in vivo. Several mechanisms of action are possible but inhibition of matrix metalloprotease activity, reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and interference with the renin-angiotensin system were demonstrated by the experimental studies. In this paper we review the laboratory investigations and epidemiological studies on the anti-cancer actions of ACEi and present a summary of the evidence regarding the potential use of ACEi in cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. heli@herlevhosp.kbhamt.dk
authors.forename: Henriette
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.forename: Dorte
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Benny V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eriksen
authors.forename: Torben
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Skovsgaard
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002465:Cell Movement; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors