Mechanistic Insights into the Combined Use of Cisplatin and Propranolol in Cervical Cancer Implications for Overcoming Drug Resistance

Cisplatin is the first platinum-based compound to receive FDA approval for the treatment of various cancers, including cervical cancer. Despite the initial positive response, drug resistance is regarded as a significant challenge in treating this medication. In recent years, the combination of different drugs with cisplatin has been used to reduce therapeutic resistance, with encouraging results. Recently, considering the mechanism of beta-adrenergic receptors in multiple cancers, beta-blockers, especially non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol, have been added to this regimen. This article examines the pathways and molecular mechanisms of this receptor in the development of drug resistance, as well as its role in reducing cancer cells' sensitivity to Cisplatin. Furthermore, based on evidence from other cancers, Propranolol's inhibitory effect on signaling pathways related to survival, proliferation, and cellular stress response is investigated, as well as its potential to resensitize cisplatin-resistant cells. Overall, this approach could pave the way for the development of more effective combination therapeutic strategies, reduction of drug resistance, and optimization of cisplatin-based regimens in future preclinical studies and clinical trials.