Impact of angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers on survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing first-line platinum-based chemotherapy

Purpose The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Stimulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) acts proangiogenically by increasing levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Consequently, cell culture experiments and animal studies have shown antiproliferative effects of AT1R blockers (ARB) and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in several malignancies. Until now, very limited clinical data for this antiangiogenic effect exists for combinations with antineoplastic chemotherapy.