Recent Studies & Advances in Breast Cancer Chapter 5 Potential use of Antihistamines on Cancer treatment A.I. Faustino-Rocha1,2, M. Ginja2,3, A. Gama3,4, R. Ferreira5, P.A. Oliveira2,3 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, Lisbon, Portugal 2 Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal 3 Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal 4 Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal 5 Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Foodstuffs (QOPNA), Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal Correspondence to: A.I. Faustino-Rocha, Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal Phone: 00351 968914559; Email:
[email protected] Abstract Cancer is one of the most frightening diseases worldwide. Several medical options are available for breast cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiotherapy, che- motherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. However, the possible ineffec- tiveness, the distinct response of cancer to the therapies and the devastating effects of some of these therapies for patients are the major concerns in cancer treatment. So, it is crucial to search for new or at least adjuvant therapies that may improve the lifespan and quality of life of oncologic patients. Antihistamines are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. Since the histamine receptors are present in neoplastic cells of several tumors, and the antihistamines have low toxicity and are cheaper when compared with drugs used in chemotherapy, the antihistaminic drugs may be potentially used in the clinical management of oncologic patients.