Hypertension drug losartan may prevent tumour-induced hearing loss, say US researchers
drug therapy
Findings published in the journal Science Translational Medicine suggest a common, low-cost high blood pressure medicine can have a preventive role in tackling acoustic neuroma-related hearing and balance problems.
Patients with the hereditary condition neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), are susceptible to developing bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS), benign acoustic tumours that bring fibrosis in the tumour microenvironment, damaging the nerves for balance and hearing that lead to the inner ear.
To tackle the fibrosis, the drug losartan was used in an NF2 mouse model study by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Massachusetts Eye and Ear. The drug reduced inflammatory signaling and swelling, which prevented hearing loss, also increasing oxygen delivery to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
A prospective clinical trial of losartan in patients with VS is the next step.
Source: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News
