In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the association between beta blocker use and outcomes in HER2 negative breast cancer (BC) patients. This study concluded that beta blocker use leads to improved progression free survival in BC patients.
Some background
Beta blockers are therapies used to treat various heart related conditions. They work by reducing blood pressure. It has been found that beta blockers may also lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients. It has been shown that beta blockers are associated with increased survival of localized breast cancer patients. Localized breast cancer has not yet spread beyond the breast. It is not clear whether beta blockers are associated with survival in breast cancers that have spread beyond the breast.
Methods & findings
This study involved 1144 patients with HER2-negative advanced BC. These patients were taking part in a trial examining the addition of the immunotherapy ramucirumab (Cyramza) to the chemotherapy docetaxel (Taxotere). Adding ramucirumab did not improve progression-free survival (time from treatment to disease progression). 153 patients were also being treated with beta blockers. 62% started treatment before the trial. 38% began treatment during the trial. Patients were followed for an average of 25.1 months.
The average PFS in patients treated with beta blockers was 10.3 months. This was compared to 8.3 months for those who did not receive beta blockers.
Average PFS was 15.5 months for those treated with beta blockers for the first time during the trial. This was compared to 8.3 months for those who were not treated.
In patients with triple negative breast cancer (not dependent on HER2 or hormones for growth) the average PFS was 13 months with beta blockers but 5.2 months without.
No differences were seen in the other outcomes, including response to treatment or survival times.
The bottom line
This study concluded that beta blocker use improved time to disease progression in patients with advanced HER2 negative BC.
The fine print
This study needs to be carried out in larger groups of patients to verify results.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about beta blocker treatment options.
Published By :
Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
Date :
May 18, 2017
