Are the Antagonists of the Renin–Angiotensin System Also Anticancer Agents?

The antagonists of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) have gained increasing popularity in the last two decades due to their indisputable efficacy in a number of cardiovascular disorders, coupled with an unsurpassed tolerability. However some years ago a partial and non-predefined meta-analysis raised the possibility that angiotensin receptor antagonists in particular may increase the incidence of cancer. This observation, although not confirmed by subsequent, larger analyses, caused a remarkable and understandable concern even outside the medical community. Herein we will summarize the available evidence pro and con the hypothesis of a carcinogenetic activity of RAS antagonists coming to the conclusion that these drugs may actually exert an anticancer action.