You beta believe it.

A thought-provoking study in JAMA Oncology this week finds that the beta-blocker propranolol may be associated with a lower risk of melanoma recurrence. Say what...? The idea comes from preclinical data indicating that propranolol potentiates the effects of chemotherapeutic agents via inhibiting angiogenesis and cell migration. This newer clinical data is the product of observing patients with melanoma (IB-IIIA) asked to voluntarily take propranolol 80mg daily off-label. If they didn’t agree, they were still observed (with snide glances) in the control group. Despite the study including only 53 participants with 19 willing to take it, daily propranolol was associated with an unbelievable 80% relative (and 25% absolute) reduction in recurrences at 3 years. Thinking this is unbelievable? Ok, sure, there could be unforeseen biases at play. But don’t get your heart rate up just yet: Official recommendations will only come if and when results of ongoing clinical trials can soothe the skeptics. In the meantime, propranolol might not be a bad go-to for your melanoma patients with migraines.