title: Are the antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system also anticancer agents?
abstract: The antagonists of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have gained increasing popularity in the last two decades due to their indisputable efficacy in a number of cardiovascular disorders, coupled with an unsurpassed tolerability. However some years ago a partial and non-predefined meta-analysis raised the possibility that angiotensin receptor antagonists in particular may increase the incidence of cancer. This observation, although not confirmed by subsequent, larger analyses, caused a remarkable and understandable concern even outside the medical community. Herein we will summarize the available evidence pro and con the hypothesis of a carcinogenetic activity of RAS antagonists coming to the conclusion that these drugs may actually exert an anticancer action.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Center, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, lonati.chiara@libero.it.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lonati
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morganti
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents