Prognostic Impact of Renin-Angiotensin Inhibitors in Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

Impact of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors on Pathologic Complete Response With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been demonstrated to modulate cell proliferation, desmoplasia, angiogenesis and immunosuppression. We examined the association of RAS inhibitors (RASi)-namely angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)-with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) preceding radical cystectomy (RC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively investigated concurrent RASi use with NAC prior to RC in 302 patients with MIBC from 3 academic institutions. Outcomes included pathologic complete response (pCR) and overall survival (OS). Pathologic features, performance status (PS), clinical stage, type/number of cycles of NAC, and toxicities were collected.

RESULTS

Overall pCR rate was 26.2% and 5-year OS was 62%. Concurrent ACEi intake with NAC approached significance for association with pCR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71; 95% CI, 0.94-3.11; P = .077). Patients with cT3/4N0-N1 disease receiving ACEi had higher pCR rates (30.8% vs. 17.7%, P = .056) than those not on ACEi. Female sex had a statistically significant favorable interaction for pCR with ACEi intake (P = .044). ACEi intake was not associated with OS, while pCR, PS and lower clinical stage were significantly associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSION

ACEi intake is potentially associated with increased pCR in patients with MIBC receiving NAC prior to RC, and this association is more pronounced in patients with higher clinical stage of disease at the initiation of therapy and female sex. Our data suggest the potential relevance of the RAS as a therapeutic target in aggressive MIBC.

The Characterization of Non-oncologic Chronic Drug Therapy in Bladder Cancer Patients and the Impact on Recurrence-Free and Cancer-Specific Survival: A Prospective Study

We aimed to characterize non-oncologic chronic drug therapy of bladder cancer (BC) patients and evaluate a possible impact on recurrence-free (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Patients with a first diagnosis (FD) of BC or radical cystectomy (RC) were included in a prospective, monocentric, observational study. Drugs and medical data was assessed at start and three-monthly for 24 months. Drugs were classified by anatomical-therapeutic-chemical code (ATC). Endpoints for outcome analysis were RFS and CSS in univariate (Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test, Cox regression for Hazard Ratio (HR)) and multivariate (Cox regression models) analyses. Of 113 patients, 52 had FD and 78 RC. Median age was 74 and 72 years, 83% and 82% were male. Drugs of 114 ATC classes were taken by 48 (92%) FD patients (median number 4.5/IQR 2-7.5) and 73 (94%) of RC patients (median 5/IQR 2-9). In univariate analysis (log-rank test (p)/Cox regression (HR, 95% CI, p)), polypharmacy (p = 0.036/HR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.02-7.90, p = 0.047), calcium channel blockers (p = 0.046/HR = 2.47, 95% CI = 0.97-6.27, p = 0.057) and proton pump inhibitors (p = 0.015/HR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.18-8.41, p = 0.022) had a significant negative impact on RFS in RC patients, statins (p = 0.025/HR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02-1.06, p = 0.057) a positive effect on RFS in FD patients, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.008/HR = 10.74, 95% CI = 1.20-96.17, p = 0.034) and magnesium (p = 0.042/HR = 5.28, 95% CI = 0.88-31.59, p = 0.067) a negative impact on CSS in FD patients. In multivariate analysis, the only significant drug effects were the negative impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (HR = 15.20, 95% CI = 1.30-177.67, p = 0.030) and magnesium (HR = 22.87, 95% CI = 1.57-333.81), p = 0.022) on CSS in FD patients, and the positive impact of statins (HR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.01-0.97, p = 0.047) on RFS in FD patients. Impact of non-oncologic drugs on RFS and CSS was small in this prospective study. Thus, appropriate treatment of comorbidities is encouraged.

The association between angiotensin receptor blockers and lung, bladder, and colon cancer development: A 10-year multicentric retrospective Lebanese study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally, followed by cancer. Angiotensin II contributes greatly to CVD pathogenesis, and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) constitute a mainstay in hypertension and CVD management. However, the relationship between ARBs and cancer initiation is controversial, with no clear data in Lebanon. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the association between ARBs intake and lung, bladder, and colorectal cancers development in the Lebanese population. A retrospective study was conducted on 709 subjects divided into 2 main groups: Control (subjects without cancer; n = 177), and Cases (patients with cancer (n = 532): lung, bladder, or colorectal), taking ARBs (n = 236, (n = 121 in control and n = 115 in cases)) or not (n = 473). Collected information included the patients demographics, comorbidities, cancer's risk factors, and ARBs dose and duration intake. Bivariate, multivariate, and binary logistic analyses were enrolled. ARBs use was significantly protective (P value = 0.000) against overall cancer development (odds ratio [OR] = 0.127) and against each, lung (OR < 1), bladder (OR < 1), and colorectal cancers (OR < 1). A duration-response relationship was established. This protective effect and the time-dependent relationship remained unchanged after omitting the most relevant risk factors. In summary, a significant overall protective effect of ARBs against lung, bladder and colorectal cancers was found. This beneficial response was time-dependent. These results can guide patients on treatment options and clinicians for informed decision-making.

The Bladder Tumor Microenvironment Components That Modulate the Tumor and Impact Therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex and involves many different cell types that seemingly work together in helping cancer cells evade immune monitoring and survive therapy. The advent of single-cell sequencing has greatly increased our knowledge of the cell types present in the tumor microenvironment and their role in the developing cancer. This, coupled with clinical data showing that cancer development and the response to therapy may be influenced by drugs that indirectly influence the tumor environment, highlights the need to better understand how the cells present in the TME work together. This review looks at the different cell types (cancer cells, cancer stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, adipose cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and neuronal cells) in the bladder tumor microenvironment. Their impact on immune activation and on shaping the microenvironment are discussed as well as the effects of hypertensive drugs and anesthetics on bladder cancer.

Pathway-guided monitoring of the disease course in bladder cancer with longitudinal urine proteomics

BACKGROUND

Monitoring bladder cancer over time requires invasive and costly procedures. Less invasive approaches are required using readily available biological samples such as urine. In this study, we demonstrate a method for longitudinal analysis of the urine proteome to monitor the disease course in patients with bladder cancer.

METHODS

We compared the urine proteomes of patients who experienced recurrence and/or progression (n = 13) with those who did not (n = 17). We identified differentially expressed proteins within various pathways related to the hallmarks of cancer. The variation of such pathways during the disease course was determined using our differential personal pathway index (dPPi) calculation, which could indicate disease progression and the need for medical intervention.

RESULTS

Seven hallmark pathways are used to develop the dPPi. We demonstrate that we can successfully longitudinally monitor the disease course in bladder cancer patients through a combination of urine proteomic analysis and the dPPi calculation, over a period of 62 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the information contained in the patient's urinary proteome, the dPPi reflects the individual's course of bladder cancer, and helps to optimise the use of more invasive procedures such as cystoscopy.

Renin-Angiotensin System Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Associated with Bladder Cancer Risk

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), besides being a major regulator of blood pressure, is also involved in tumor angiogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests a correlation between the use of pharmacologic RAS inhibitors and a delay in urothelial bladder cancer (BC) progression. However, it is unknown whether RAS gene variants may predispose to the development of BC. This study examined the association of RAS single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including AT1R rs5186, AT2R rs11091046, REN rs12750834, ANG rs4762, and ANG rs699 with the risk of developing non-invasive BC. Peripheral blood samples from 73 patients with T1 urothelial BC (66 men, seven women) and an equal number of healthy subjects (control group) were collected. The TT genotype of the REN rs12750834 SNP (OR: 2.8 [1.3–6.05], p = 0.008) and to a lesser extent the presence of the T allele (OR: 2.3 [1.2–4.48], p = 0.01) conferred a higher risk of BC. The highest risk for BC within SNP carriers of the RAS system was associated with the presence of the CC genotype (OR: 17.6 [7.5–41.35], p < 0.001) and C allele (OR: 17.7 [8.8–35.9], p < 0.001) of the ANG rs699 SNP. The presence of the AT2R rs11091046 SNP, particularly the AA genotype, was associated with a protective effect against developing BC (OR: 0.268 [0.126–057], p < 0.001). In conclusion, these results support the clinical utility of RAS gene SNPs AT2R rs11091046, REN rs12750834, and ANG rs699 in the genetic cancer risk assessment of patients and families with BC.

Retrospective evaluation of the impact of non-oncologic chronic drug therapy on the survival in patients with bladder cancer

Background Chronic drug therapy may impact recurrence and survival of patients with bladder cancer and thus be of concern regarding drug choice and treatment decisions. Currently, data are conflicting for some drug classes and missing for others. Objective To analyze the impact of common non-oncologic chronic drug intake on survival in patients with bladder cancer and radical cystectomy. Setting. Patients with bladder cancer and radical cystectomy (2004–2018) at the University Hospital Munich. Method Data from an established internal database with patients with bladder cancer and radical cystectomy were included in a retrospective study. Drug therapy at the time of radical cystectomy and survival data were assessed and follow-up performed 3 months after radical cystectomy and yearly until death or present. Impact on survival was analyzed for antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-gout, antithrombotic drugs and statins, using the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test and Cox-regression models. Main outcome measure Recurrence free survival, cancer specific survival and overall survival for users versus non-users of predefined drug classes. Results Medication and survival data were available in 972 patients. Median follow-up time was 22 months (IQR 7–61). In the univariate analysis, a significant negative impact among users on recurrence free survival (n = 93; p = 0.038), cancer specific survival (n = 116; p < 0.001) and overall survival (n = 116; p < 0.001) was found for calcium-channel blockers, whereas angiotensin-receptor-blockers negatively influenced overall survival (n = 96; p = 0.020), but not recurrence free survival (n = 73; p = 0.696) and cancer specific survival (n = 96; p = 0.406). No effect of angiotensin-receptor-blockers and calcium-channel blockers was seen in the multivariate analysis. None of the other studied drugs had an impact on survival. Conclusion There was no impact on bladder cancer recurrence and survival for any of the analyzed drugs. Considering our results and the controverse findings in the literature, there is currently no evidence to withhold indicated drugs or choose specific drug classes among the evaluated non-oncologic chronic drug therapies. Thus, prospective studies are required for further insight. Trail registration This is part of the trial DRKS00017080, registered 11.10.2019.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Immunomodulation: A State-of-the-Art Review

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has long been described in the field of cardiovascular physiology as the main player in blood pressure homeostasis. However, other effects have since been described, and include proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation. To illustrate the immunomodulatory properties of the RAS, we chose three distinct fields in which RAS may play a critical role and be the subject of specific treatments. In oncology, RAS hyperactivation has been associated with tumor migration, survival, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis; preliminary data showed promise of the benefit of RAS blockers in patients treated for certain types of cancer. In intensive care medicine, vasoplegic shock has been associated with severe macro- and microcirculatory imbalance. A relative insufficiency in angiotensin II (AngII) was associated to lethal outcomes and synthetic AngII has been suggested as a specific treatment in these cases. Finally, in solid organ transplantation, both AngI and AngII have been associated with increased rejection events, with a regional specificity in the RAS activity. These elements emphasize the complexity of the direct and indirect interactions of RAS with immunomodulatory pathways and warrant further research in the field.

Targeting the renin-angiotensin system to improve cancer treatment: Implications for immunotherapy

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (RASi)-widely prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases-have considerable potential in oncology. The RAS plays a crucial role in cancer biology and affects tumor growth and dissemination directly and indirectly by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. We review clinical data on the benefit of RASi in primary and metastatic tumors and propose that, by activating immunostimulatory pathways, these inhibitors can enhance immunotherapy of cancer.

Renin angiotensin system and its role in biomarkers and treatment in gliomas

Gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic tumor in the brain and are classified as low- or high-grade according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) who undergo surgical resection with adjuvant therapy have a mean overall survival of 15 months and 100% recurrence. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the primary regulator of cardiovascular circulation, exhibits local action and works as a paracrine system. In the context of this local regulation, the expression of RAS peptides and receptors has been detected in different kinds of tumors, including gliomas. The dysregulation of RAS components plays a significant role in the proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion of these tumors, and therefore in their outcomes. The study and potential application of RAS peptides and receptors as biomarkers in gliomas could bring advantages against the limitations of current tumoral markers and should be considered in the future. The targeting of RAS components by RAS blockers has shown potential of being protective against cancer and improving immunotherapy. In gliomas, RAS blockers have shown a broad spectrum for beneficial effects and are being considered for use in treatment protocols. This review aims to summarize the background behind how RAS plays a role in gliomagenesis and explore the evidence that could lead to their use as biomarkers and treatment adjuvants.

Evaluation of the Clinical Utility of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients Undergoing Radical Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract

BACKGROUND

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors are effective for treating patients with cancer. The present study evaluated the impact of RAS inhibitors, including angiotensin-2 converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers, after patients underwent radical surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 312 patients with nonmetastatic UTUC who underwent radical surgery. The oncological outcomes of patients treated or not treated with RAS inhibitors following surgery were evaluated. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration after radical surgery was 44.7 months. The 5-year RFS, CSS, and OS rates of patients who did or did not receive RAS inhibitors were 82.3% versus 68.9% (P = .018), 88.9% versus 71.8% (P = .0044), and 68.7% versus 61.8% (P = .047), respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that the use of RAS inhibitors was an independent prognostic factor for RFS, CSS, and OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48, P = .013; HR 0.31, P = .002; and HR 0.52, P = .01, respectively). Moreover, patients treated with RAS inhibitors versus untreated patients had better 5-year RFS compared with those in the pT2 and < pN1 subgroups (pT2: 100.0% vs. 62.2%, P = .014 and < pN1: 87.2% vs. 74.7%, P = .034).

CONCLUSIONS

RAS inhibitors significantly improved RFS, CSS, and OS of patients with UTUC who underwent radical surgery. These agents may be particularly beneficial for patients with stage pT2 or < pN1 disease.

Resveratrol promotes regression of renal carcinoma cells via a renin-angiotensin system suppression-dependent mechanism

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on renal carcinoma cells and explore possible renin-angiotensin system-associated mechanisms. Subsequent to resveratrol treatment, the cell viability, apoptosis rate, cytotoxicity levels, caspase 3/7 activity and the levels of angiotensin II (AngII), AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were evaluated in renal carcinoma cells. The effects of AngII, AT1R, VEGF and COX-2 on resveratrol-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis were also examined. The results indicated that resveratrol treatment may suppress growth, induce apoptosis, and decrease AngII, AT1R, VEGF and COX-2 levels in renal carcinoma ACHN and A498 cells. In addition, resveratrol-induced cell growth suppression and apoptosis were reversed when co-culturing with AT1R or VEGF. Thus, resveratrol may suppress renal carcinoma cell proliferation and induce apoptosis via an AT1R/VEGF pathway.

Continuation of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Inhibitors Does Not Impact Renal Function Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

OBJECTIVE

In the perioperative period, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors may result in cardiovascular and renal functional changes. We sought to determine the acute and chronic renal functional and blood pressure effects of continuing or withdrawing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing PCNL at our institution from 2002 to 2013. Patients on either an ACE-I and/or ARB who received an ACE-I and/or ARB during their surgical hospitalization were matched based on sex, age, and body mass index to patients who had their medication withheld during the postoperative period. The two groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 2784 patients underwent PCNL during the study period. At the time of PCNL, 15.2% (423/2784) of patients and 6.5% (181/2784) were prescribed an ACE-I and an ARB, respectively. Fifty-nine percent (248/423) of patients on an ACE-I and 66.9% (121/181) on an ARB received their medication during their postoperative hospitalization. There was no significant difference in average length of stay (2 days vs 2 days), perioperative change in glomerular filtration rate, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (-0.50 mL/min/1.73 m² vs -2.34 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.267), change in GFR at 1 month postoperatively (-4.63 mL/min/1.73 m² vs -5.90 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.748), or change in GFR at 1 year (-2.08 mL/min/1.73 m² vs -0.13 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.267) between patients who received vs withheld their medication during the postoperative stay.

CONCLUSION

It is safe to continue RAAS inhibitors in patients undergoing PCNL during their operative hospitalization.

Do renin-angiotensin system inhibitors influence the recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients?: Evidence from a meta-analysis including 55 studies

BACKGROUND

Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RAS inhibitors) are antihypertensive agents with potential antitumor effects. However, various studies have yielded conflicting results on the influence of RAS inhibitors on survival of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RAS inhibitors on recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients through a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to December 2016. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated to evaluate the association between RAS inhibitors and recurrence, metastasis, and survival in cancer patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-five eligible studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Results showed that there were significant improvements in overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.77-0.88; P < 0.001), progression-free survival (HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.66-0.84; P < 0.001), and disease-free survival (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67-0.95; P = 0.01) in RAS inhibitor users compared with nonusers. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of RAS inhibitors on OS depended on the cancer type or different RAS inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that RAS inhibitors could improve the survival of cancer patients and depend on cancer type and types of RAS inhibitors.