The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Cancer and the Potential of Sartans in Oncology Treatment
1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square,
No.2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 26 Jun 2025 / Published: 14 Mar 2025
Abstract
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is essential for blood pressure regulation and the body's homeostasis, with Angiotensin II (Ang II) playing a key role in vasoconstriction, sodium reabsorption, and cellular growth. Recent studies suggest that RAAS, particularly through the classical axis (renin → Ang I → ACE → Ang II → AT1 receptor), may contribute to cancer development by promoting cell migration, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Ang II, through AT1 receptors, activates pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, which enhance tumor progression. In contrast, the alternative RAAS axis (ACE2 → Ang-(1-7) → Mas receptor and AT2 receptors) shows potential anti-cancer effects. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as candesartan, losartan, valsartan, and telmisartan, which inhibit the AT1 receptor, may reduce the pro-tumorigenic effects of RAAS. This suggests that the ARBs could be explored as a potential adjunctive in cancer therapy. However, further research is needed to fully understand their role in oncology considering that there are studies which paradoxically suggest that these compounds could induce carcinogenesis.
Keywords: Angiotensin II; AT1 receptors; Angiotensin 1-7; Cancer; Sartans
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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution
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CITE
Haj Ali, D.; Dehelean, C.; Danciu, C. The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Cancer and the Potential of Sartans in Oncology Treatment. jept 2025, 1, 5.
Haj Ali D, Dehelean C, Danciu C. The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Cancer and the Potential of Sartans in Oncology Treatment. Journal of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2025; 1(1):5.
Haj Ali, Diana; Dehelean, Cristina; Danciu, Corina. 2025. "The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Cancer and the Potential of Sartans in Oncology Treatment." jept 1, no. 1: 5.
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