Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of r-carvedilol and methods of use

Abstract

A novel prophylactic therapy for cancer, as well as therapy against DNA damage, inflammation and immunosuppression involves the β-blocker carvedilol, which is a racemic mixture consisting of two enantiomers, S- and R-carvedilol, in 1:1 ratio. S-carvedilol is a β-blocker, with a highly potent antagonizing activity against the β-adrenergic receptors, which is the main mechanism for the drug's pharmacological activity in treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Carvedilol—the racemic mixture—prevents ultraviolet radiation induced skin cancer by attenuating DNA damage, reducing inflammation and reversing immunosuppression. The non-β-blocking enantiomer R-carvedilol exhibits the same cancer preventive efficacy as the racemic carvedilol, without disturbing the cardiovascular system. Both carvedilol and R-carvedilol prevent chemical carcinogen-induced lung cancer development and lung inflammation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.