Carvedilol is a beta-blocker is commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers from the Western University of Health Sciences in California found that this drug can protect skin from the damaging effects ultraviolet B radiation. UVB radiation is the primary cause of sunburn and it plays a significant role in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.
In 2017, more than 13,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in Ausrtalia– the deadliest form of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or indoor tanning is one of the biggest risk factors for the disease. UV can damage the DNA of skin cells, which can lead to genetic mutations that give rise to skin cancer.
Scientist at the College of Pharmacy at Western University discovered carvedilol may be more effective than sunscreen when it comes to skin cancer prevention. The researchers came across their findings by accident.
The team exposed skin cells to UVB radiation before treating them with carvedilol. The beta-blocker was found to protect the skin cells against DNA damage and death.
The researchers found that carvedilol was more effective than sunscreen for preventing tumor formation in the rodents. They add that the mechanism by which carvedilol protects against skin cancer is independent of its mechanisms as a beta-blocker. This research could lead to the development of a class of new cancer-preventive agents.
