A new research study published in the Journal of Dermatology has found that propranolol, a commonly used antihypertensive agent, could substantially reduce proliferation of angiosarcoma.
A new research study published in the Journal of Dermatology has found that treating angiosarcoma with propranolol—a beta blocker most commonly used to treat hypertension, dysrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions—could substantially reduce proliferation of the cancer.
The authors, clinicians at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, treated a patient who presented with an enlarging lesion on his left cheek, forehead, and scalp, diagnosed as angiosarcoma, with propranolol hydrochloride. Within a week of propranolol monotherapy, tumor proliferation was found reduced by about 34%. When the patient was administered standard therapy of paclitaxel poliglumex, 2 mg/m2 infused weekly; radiotherapy during the subsequent 8 months; along with propranolol hydrochloride, 40 mg 3 times a day, the result was extensive tumor regression and the lack of metastases.
Calling their discovery a “major advancement in the treatment of angiosarcomas,” the authors point to the financial advantage that the drug presents. While current prescription treatments for sarcomas can cost over $10,000 per month, propranolol may cost about $4 per month.
The authors are now conducting a phase 2 study with propranolol in breast cancer patients.
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen
Lack of Mutations Associated With Favorable Prognosis in MPN-U
April 25th 2024While the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System and bone marrow blasts may predict overall survival, the lack of certain mutations is also associated with a better prognosis for myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable (MPN-U).
Read More
What We’re Reading: FDA Approves UTI Antibiotic; Ozempic, Wegovy Price Investigation; US Births Fall
April 25th 2024The FDA recently approved an antibiotic for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women; a Senate committee recently launched an investigation into the prices of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight loss drugs; US births fell last year, resuming a national slide after a previous increase during the pandemic.
Read More