β-blockers: a new and emerging treatment for melanoma

Recent studies have underlined the innovative theories concerning the role of neuroendocrine system on the tumor and metastasis microenvironment. These observations have suggested the possibility that drugs originally intended for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, the β-adrenergic receptor blockers (β-blockers), may provide new therapeutic opportunities for the control of tumor progression. A large number of observational studies showed the protective effect of β-blockers in breast cancer, but more recently, similar findings were also reported in other cancers such as prostate cancer and melanoma. The results of these studies have shown that the use of β-blockers, but not other antihypertensive drugs, was associated with a significant increase of the disease free survival and of the overall survival. With regard to melanoma, a recent study by De Giorgi et al. showed a 36% reduction in risk of disease progression for each year of treatment with β-blockers. These data, originating from prospective studies, cannot be considered conclusive and require validation by means of clinical trials that are underway.