Viagra releases the brakes on melanoma growth

Abstract

Use of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) blocker sildenafil (Viagra) has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma. In a recent study we discovered a growth-promoting cGMP pathway in melanoma cells. cGMP degradation via PDE5 acts as a brake on this pathway. Inhibition of PDE5 releases this brake, providing a mechanism for the promelanoma effects of sildenafil.

Keywords

• cancer
• cgk
• cnp
• cyclic nucleotide
• gtp
• guanylate cyclase
• phosphodiesterase inhibitor
• pkg
• tumor growth