British researchers have found that common beta-blocker tablets, widely used for lowering blood pressure and anxiety, could be the key to preventing breast cancer from spreading.
The study by Cancer Research UK, published in the Oncotarget Journal, looked at 400 UK breast cancer sufferer’s records and found that those who took the beta-blocker pills before an operation, were less likely to die several years later.
The results showed a significant 70% reduction in breast cancer related death rates over a 10-year period.
The scientists believe that the beta-blocker drugs contain a key molecular pathway, which controls the growth and spread of breast cancer.
Although breast cancer tumours are currently treated with Tamoxifen, they found that 50% of sufferers become resistant to the Tamixifen over time.
“We are hypothesising that maybe some of these patients could have their cancer controlled by beta-blockers,' says Dr Des Powe, from Cancer Research UK.
The latest breakthrough has paved the way for further clinical trials on the prevention of breast cancer spreading. This will take place next year.