Ovarian Cancer Treatment Journey with Beta-Blocker Choices

Ovarian Cancer Survival: How Peri-Operative Beta Blockers Impact Outcomes

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at the surprising effects of selective and nonselective beta-blockers on ovarian cancer patients' survival and recurrence rates."

Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge for women, necessitating continuous research into treatment strategies and factors influencing survival rates. Recent preclinical studies have explored the role of adrenergic agonists in promoting tumor growth and invasiveness in ovarian cancer, specifically through the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. These findings have prompted investigations into whether beta-blockers, commonly prescribed medications that counteract these adrenergic effects, could impact epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) survival.

Beta-blockers are primarily used to manage conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, and heart conditions by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The use of these medications in the context of cancer treatment has been a topic of interest due to their potential to influence cancer progression and outcomes. However, clinical results have been conflicting, leading researchers to delve deeper into understanding the nuances of beta-blocker usage and its effects on cancer patients.

To address these uncertainties, a study was conducted to examine the association between peri-operative beta-blockade and clinical outcomes in EOC patients. The study retrospectively reviewed patient data to assess the impact of beta-blocker use on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), considering the timing of beta-blocker administration relative to surgery. The results of this research shed light on the complex interplay between beta-blockers and ovarian cancer progression, providing valuable insights for clinicians and patients alike.

Selective vs. Nonselective: Understanding the Impact of Beta-Blocker Type

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Journey with Beta-Blocker Choices

The study utilized a cox survival model to evaluate the outcomes of women who took selective beta-blockers (SBBs) during the peri-operative period. The results indicated a concerning trend: women who used SBBs were four times more likely to die compared to non-users, as indicated by an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 5.82 (95% CI 1.17-28.91, p=0.031). This finding suggests that SBB usage around the time of surgery may have a detrimental effect on overall survival.

In contrast, the study found no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between nonselective beta-blocker (NSBB) users and non-users (adjusted NSBB HR 1.88, 95% CI 0.41-8.60, p=0.414). However, SBB users were found to have a higher likelihood of disease recurrence, being four times more likely to experience recurrence compared to non-users (adjusted SBB HR 4.24, 95% CI 1.23-14.55, p=0.022).

Selective Beta-Blockers (SBBs): Usage during the peri-operative period was associated with a fourfold increase in the likelihood of death compared to non-users.
Nonselective Beta-Blockers (NSBBs): No significant difference in progression-free survival was observed between users and non-users.
Recurrence of Disease: SBB users were four times more likely to experience disease recurrence compared to non-users.

These results highlight the importance of distinguishing between different types of beta-blockers when evaluating their impact on ovarian cancer outcomes. While NSBBs did not show a significant effect on PFS, the adverse effects associated with SBB usage raise concerns about their suitability for peri-operative administration. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these differential effects and to identify potential strategies to mitigate the risks associated with SBBs.

Future Directions and Clinical Implications

The study's findings suggest that peri-operative SBB use is associated with poorer overall survival, while any SBB use is linked to poorer progression-free survival in patients with EOC. While preclinical studies might hint at survival benefits, the current clinical data indicates a potential harm from SBB use, underscoring the necessity for further investigation. Future research should aim to clarify the underlying mechanisms and explore alternative strategies to improve outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the focus of the study regarding ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a significant health challenge for women, and the study's focus is on understanding how medications like beta-blockers affect outcomes. Beta-blockers are used to manage conditions like hypertension. The research investigates how the timing and type of beta-blocker administration around surgery influence survival and recurrence rates in women with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). This is important because it provides critical insights for clinicians and patients. Understanding the interplay between these medications and cancer progression is vital for improving patient care and outcomes.

What are beta-blockers, and what are the different types discussed?

Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in various physiological processes. The article focuses on two main types: Selective Beta-Blockers (SBBs) and Nonselective Beta-Blockers (NSBBs). Selective beta-blockers target specific receptors, while nonselective beta-blockers affect a broader range of receptors. The study highlights that SBBs and NSBBs have different effects on outcomes in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). This difference is significant because it suggests that not all beta-blockers are created equal in this context. The choice of which beta-blocker to use, or whether to use one at all, can have a substantial impact on a patient's overall and progression-free survival.

What were the key findings regarding the impact of different beta-blockers on patient outcomes?

The study found that the type of beta-blocker used during the peri-operative period significantly impacted patient outcomes. For Selective Beta-Blockers (SBBs), the study showed that women using them were more likely to die, with a concerning trend of SBB usage being associated with a fourfold increase in the likelihood of death compared to non-users. In contrast, Nonselective Beta-Blockers (NSBBs) did not show a significant difference in progression-free survival. These differences are critical. The choice between SBBs and NSBBs can influence a patient's overall survival and likelihood of disease recurrence. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the type of beta-blocker used in women with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) around the time of surgery.

What does 'progression-free survival' mean, and how were beta-blockers related to it in this study?

Progression-free survival (PFS) measures the length of time during and after the treatment of a disease, such as cancer, that a patient lives with the disease without it getting worse. The study examined how different types of beta-blockers impacted progression-free survival in women with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). The study found that Nonselective Beta-Blockers (NSBBs) showed no significant difference in PFS compared to non-users. However, the use of Selective Beta-Blockers (SBBs) during the peri-operative period was linked to a higher likelihood of disease recurrence. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of beta-blockers on disease progression to inform treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

What are the clinical implications of the study's findings for patients and clinicians?

The implications of the study's findings suggest that the timing and type of beta-blocker use may significantly affect the outcomes for women with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC). The results highlight that using Selective Beta-Blockers (SBBs) during the peri-operative period is associated with poorer overall survival and a higher likelihood of disease recurrence. This underscores the importance of further investigation to clarify the mechanisms and explore alternative strategies to improve outcomes. Clinicians and patients should carefully consider these findings when making decisions about beta-blocker usage in cancer treatment. Further research may help to identify ways to mitigate the risks associated with SBBs and improve the survival rates for women diagnosed with this cancer.