Association of beta-blocker use at time of radical prostatectomy with rate of treatment for prostate cancer recurrence

The perioperative period has gained attention as a window of opportunity to prevent cancer recurrence. Evidence in support of a role for nonselective beta-blocker (nsBBs) in cancer treatment is increasing. A cohort study in Norway included patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, and followed them for median 4.3 years. During follow-up 14.6% of patients received treatment for cancer recurrence. Use of nsBBs at the time of surgery was associated with lower risk of treatment for cancer recurrence (aHR 0.64; p=0.03). No such association was observed for use of selective beta-blockers (aHR 0.96; p=0.62). The authors conclude that the study suggests that perioperative use of nsBBs is associated with less treatment indication for cancer recurrence. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.