Blood Pressure Pill Boosts Cancer Treatment in New Study

Scientists at Dartmouth Health have found that a blood pressure pill sitting in millions of medicine cabinets might help fight cancer too.

The drug telmisartan, already approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure, appears to boost the effectiveness of olaparib, a medication used in cancer treatment. In laboratory and animal studies, researchers discovered the combination causes more damage to cancer cells' DNA, making it easier for the immune system to spot and destroy tumors.

Dr. Tyler Curiel, the lead researcher, called the findings exciting because telmisartan is already proven safe, widely available, and costs very little. "This study shows that a common, safe, tolerable, convenient and inexpensive drug may significantly improve how well an important class of cancer therapies works," he said.

The drug combination works by increasing production of type I interferons, molecules that help the immune system recognize cancer. It also reduces levels of PD-L1, a protein that helps tumor cells hide from immune attack.

Interestingly, only telmisartan showed these anti-cancer properties. Other blood pressure medications in the same class didn't have the same effect.

The Bright Side

While this research is still in early stages and hasn't yet involved human patients, the team at Dartmouth is already moving forward with clinical trials. One study is testing the drug combination in men with advanced prostate cancer. Another trial focusing on ovarian cancer has just begun enrolling patients.

Dr. Joshua Cohen, medical director of the Gynecologic Cancer Program at City of Hope Orange County, acknowledged the promise while noting caution is needed. Large studies have already shown that ARB blood pressure medications like telmisartan don't increase cancer risk and are safe for patients who need them.

The researchers have evidence suggesting telmisartan might improve the effectiveness of other cancer treatments too, including different types of chemotherapy and immunotherapies. "We are encouraged by what we are seeing so far," Curiel said.

If clinical trials confirm these laboratory findings, millions of cancer patients could benefit from a treatment that's already sitting on pharmacy shelves, making cutting-edge cancer care more accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it.