β‐adrenoceptors as drug targets in melanoma: novel preclinical evidence for a role of β3‐adrenoceptors

Stress plays a role in tumorigenesis through catecholamines acting at β‐adrenoceptors including β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors and the use of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists seems to counteract tumor growth and progression. Preclinical evidence and meta‐analysis data demonstrate that melanoma shows a positive response to β‐adrenoceptor blockers and in pa rticular to propranolol acting mainly at β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors. Although evidence suggesting that β3‐adrenoceptors may play a role as a therapeutic target in infantile hemangiomas has been recently reviewed, a comprehensive analysis of the available data from preclinical studies supporti ng a possible role of β3‐adrenoceptors in melanoma was not available. Here, we review literature data demonstrating that propranolol may be effective in counteracting melanoma growth and we provide preclinical evidence that β3‐adrenoceptors may also play a role in the pathophysiology of melano ma thus opening the door for further clinical assays trying to explore β3‐adrenoceptor blockers as novel alternatives for its treatment.
Source: British Journal of Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE THEMED ISSUE Source Type: research