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Journal of Clinical and
Translational Research Propranolol as a treatment for HCC

valuable tools for HCC prevention, but their use must be Future research should prioritize fine-tuning dosing
tailored to individual patient profiles to balance efficacy regimens and identify specific patient populations that
and safety. would experience the most significant benefits from
propranolol therapy. We can aim for more effective and
8. Potential limitations or challenges in individualized strategies to combat this problematic
using propranolol for HCC prevention/ disease by pursuing these avenues. Investigating the use
treatment of propranolol in combination with immunotherapeutic
agents is a prospective future research direction for
While propranolol is potentially a therapeutic agent in exploring the full potential of propranolol in HCC
reducing HBV/HCV-induced HCC, several limitations treatment. Combining propranolol with immunotherapies
and challenges must be considered. The optimal such as immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell
dosage and treatment duration of propranolol for HCC therapies may result in synergistic effects, enhancing
prevention or treatment remain unclear. Drug interactions treatment outcomes and patient survival rates. In addition,
with other medications should be carefully evaluated, as future research could target identifying specific biomarkers
propranolol may affect the hepatic metabolism of certain or genetic profiles that could predict a patient’s response
drugs. Individual patient characteristics, such as age, to propranolol therapy. This personalized approach would
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liver function status, and comorbidities, may influence the enable more targeted treatment strategies and maximize
efficacy and safety profile of propranolol treatment. The the use of propranolol in patients who are most likely to
effectiveness of propranolol may vary among individuals benefit. In addition, it is essential to investigate the optimal
due to differences in metabolism and genetic factors. Long- dosage and treatment duration of propranolol for HCC.
term use of propranolol might lead to adverse effects such Researchers can identify specific biomarkers or genetic
as fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances, profiles that predict a patient’s response to propranolol
potentially impacting patient compliance and overall therapy by conducting additional research. There is a
treatment outcomes. 53 need for large-scale, multicenter clinical trials to provide
9. Conclusion and future perspectives solid evidence on the long-term outcomes and potential
adverse effects of propranolol use in this context. If proven
HCC caused by HBV and HCV is a significant global effective, propranolol could be an accessible and cost-
health burden. Chronic viral infection results in various effective treatment option for those at high risk for or
molecular alterations that promote the development of diagnosed with HBV/HCV-associated HCC.
liver tumors. Due to its ability to inhibit critical processes
involved in hepatocarcinogenesis caused by these viruses, Acknowledgments
propranolol has emerged as a potential therapeutic The authors would like to sincerely thank the staff of the
option. In conclusion, the prospective benefits of adding Research Center for Molecular Medicine of Hamadan
propranolol to HCC treatment are encouraging. Studies University of Medical Sciences for their cooperation.
have demonstrated that it can inhibit tumor growth,
angiogenesis, and metastasis, suggesting it could be a Funding
valuable addition to existing treatment strategies. However, None.
some constraints and obstacles must be addressed. One
such limitation is the requirement for dosage optimization, Conflict of interest
as the optimal dose of propranolol for treating HCC has
yet to be determined. In addition, potential adverse effects The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
associated with the use of propranolol must be monitored Author contributions
and managed with care. Future research should refine the
delivery regimen and identify the patient populations most Conceptualization: Ali Shojaeian
likely to benefit from propranolol therapy. In addition, Visualization: Ali Shojaeian
investigating combination therapies that combine Writing–original draft: Iman Owliaee, Mehran Khaledian,
propranolol with other targeted agents may result in even Faezeh Ramezani, Ali Shojaeian
greater efficacy in treating HCC. It is essential to address Writing–review & editing: All authors
the current need for more well-defined approaches to
enhance the treatment of HCC. In addition, thorough Ethics approval
monitoring and effective management of potential side This study was approved by the ethics committee of
effects associated with propranolol are required. Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSHA.

Volume 11 Issue 4 (2025) 25 doi: 10.36922/JCTR025080010