Angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitors as potential anti-angiogenic agents for cancer therapy

Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2004 Nov;4(7):555-67. doi: 10.2174/1568009043332790.

Abstract

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) are commonly used as safe antihypertensive agents, and it has recently been suggested that they decrease the risk of cancer development. Recent studies have revealed that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the development of many types of tumor. Angiotensin-II (AT-II) has many biological effects, including neo-vascularization, which plays a pivotal role in tumor development. AT-II induces a potent angiogenic factor, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Some studies have proven that several ACE-Is are potent inhibitors of experimental tumor development and angiogenesis at clinically comparable doses. VEGF expression in tumors is also significantly suppressed by ACE-Is. When used in combination with the conventional anti-cancer drugs, ACE-Is exert more potent anti-tumor activities as compared with either single agent, in addition to suppression of the intra-tumoral angiogenesis. Furthermore, ACE-Is reportedly not only suppress tumor growth but also attenuate the carcinogenesis process in which angiogenesis is involved. Since ACE-Is are already in widespread clinical case without any serious adverse effects, they may represent a potential new strategy for cancer therapy and chemoprevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A