The ANP Family of Peptides and Cancer Treatment

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was discovered over 40 years ago, and the other members of the ANP family of peptides nearly 30 years ago. One of the effects of these peptides was found to be inhibition of the proliferation of both normal and cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo. For the past 20 years, numerous studies have characterized the antiproliferative effects of ANP family peptides on cancer cells and proposed a role for them in the treatment of cancer. Yet, as of 2021, no anti-cancer drugs have been developed from ANP. Recently, however, events have propelled two ANPrelated agents into clinical development for treating cancer. The present mini review outlines the history of ANP, from its discovery to the recent entry of ANP-related peptides into clinical trials for cancer.

Keywords: Atrial natriuretic peptide; ANP; Small peptide; Cancer treatment; Pancreatic cancer

Abbreviations: ANP: Atrial natriuretic peptide; MAPK: Mitogen activated protein kinase; KP: Kaliuretic peptide; LANP: Long-acting atrial natriuretic peptide; VDL: Vessel dilator protein