A common heart drug may play a vital role in treating one of the deadliest breast cancers. According to research in Science Signaling, beta-blockers improve “longer relapse-free survival” in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Furthermore, TNBC tests negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors. It also produces little HER2 protein, the American Cancer Society explains. As a result, this cancer “tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis.”

How Beta-blockers Work

Stress hormones can first activate a receptor called beta-2 adrenoceptor. Then, this action triggers two molecules that speed up cancer’s spread. Moreover, a gene named HOXC12 drives this process.

However, beta-blockers can turn off the gene. Therefore, they stop the tumor from spreading.

Widespread Use

Doctors usually prescribe beta-blockers for heart and circulation problems. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that they slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. Additionally, one in ten Americans take them, making the drug one of the most prescribed in the U.S.

Expert Opinions

Associate Professor Michelle Halls said, “If HOXC12 is found to be present in a TNBC patient, they could be an ideal candidate for beta blocker therapy.”

Similarly, lead author Terrance Lam explained, “Ultimately, this exciting discovery could pave the way to improving survival outcomes in people with TNBC when HOXC12 is found to be present. TNBC is an aggressive cancer which can be especially challenging to treat and identifying new treatment pathways are important."

Finally, he added, “We believe further studies are urgently needed to determine if HOXC12 can be used to identify patients who will benefit from beta blocker therapy at the time of diagnosis and stop tumor spread, thus increasing survival rates.”