Blood Pressure Drug May Boost Cancer Treatment Effectiveness

An inexpensive blood pressure drug, telmisartan, may enhance cancer treatments, according to a preclinical study. Researchers at Dartmouth Health found that telmisartan increases DNA damage in cancer cells and boosts immune response, making tumors more vulnerable to treatment.

The drug works by increasing type I interferons, which help the immune system target cancer. It also reduces PD-L1, a protein that helps tumors evade immune attacks. Telmisartan is part of a class of drugs known as ARBs and is FDA-approved to treat hypertension and reduce heart attack and stroke risks.

Study authors noted that while telmisartan shows strong potential, it may not work for all cancers, especially those without DNA damage. The findings were published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Clinical trials are underway to assess its use in advanced prostate and ovarian cancers. Researchers say the combination may help overcome resistance to existing therapies.

Joshua G. Cohen, MD., a gynecologic oncologist not involved in the study, confirmed the safety profile of telmisartan and emphasized the need for further clinical validation.