Hypertension, Anti-Hypertensive Therapy and Neoplasia

The link between cancer, hypertension and anti-hypertensive drug treatment is controversial. Despite numerous studies looking either directly or indirectly at cancer and hypertension, the results are often conflicting and do little to answer the dominant questions of cause and effect. Also, the treatment of hypertension has continued to evolve, with newer therapies being made available including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Whilst the potential link with cancer is thought to be small at worst, with the overall benefits of hypertension far outweighing its negative impacts, the suggestion of a carcinogenic role for either hypertension or its treatment continues to be an emotive issue, and needs firm answers. In this review, we provide an overview establishing the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented and highlight possible pharmacophysiological pathways involved.