Old drug accidentally repurposed to prevent skin cancer

Science will not be denied. It is so powerful that even mistakes or negative results serve to provide life-saving information. Take this example: A pharmacy graduate student, out to prove that a blood pressure medication caused cancer, made an inadvertent mistake that proved the medication actually had cancer-fighting properties.

What began as an experimental error led to a very interesting scientific discovery, said Dr. Ying Huang, research team co-leader, along with Dr. Bradley Andresen.

Sherry Liang discovered cancer-fighting properties of the beta-blocker carvedilol when she unintentionally tested the compounds anticancer effect rather that its ability to cause cancer. To surprise, she demonstrated that the drug typically used to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure could prevent skin cancer.

Following her error, team researchers conducted experiments that showed carvedilol protects the skin from cell death and DNA damage ultraviolet-B (UVB) causes, damaging the skins top epidermal layer and playing a key role in development of skin cancer.

Not all beta-blockers have these protective properties but carveilol delayed skin tumor formation more than sunscreen in laboratory studies. The next step is to incorporate carvedilol into a skin cream or spray for expanded clinical investigation. Such treatments would act on skin and not affect blood pressure or heart rate.

Our research could lead to the development of a class of new cancer-preventive agents, Dr. Ying Haung.

Until this scientific gift is on your pharmacy shelves, protect yourself from the sun with the things we now know work. With the unseasonably cold weather that many of us are enjoying for April, it may be difficult to think about the sun is harmful. Yet it is, for skin of all complexions. Take proper precautions .

More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, including childhood exposure. Parents are cautioned to protect their children from the sun because just a few serious sunburns can increase a childs risk for skin cancer later in life. Most adults know to use sunscreen; wear a hat that shields the face, ears, scalp, and neck; wear sunglasses; and to seek shade. Parents must ensure that all of their childrens caregivers understand the importance of childhood sun protections . For example, being in a stroller with a nice cover, does not protect the child from reflected sun exposure from the pavement. Unprotected skin can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes. Tender eyes also require protection with sunglasses. Time is of the essence when it comes to the sun. Sun screen must be applied regularly whether, and not just when the child is at the pool or beach. Avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its highest, typically

Sun protection is not just for humans. Dogs who hang out with us at the beach, on walks, or just laying around catching rays, need protection. Some animal experts say that sunscreen safe enough for babies is okay for dogs. Products specific for dogs can be found; check with your vet. Doggy sunglasses are also available for those long walks and boat rides.

Sherry Liang will present her findings during the annual meeting of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics , held during Experimental Biology 2017 , in Chicago this August 22-26.