Scientists at Elmbridge University have identified a protein that helps aggressive prostate cancer cells survive hormone therapy, and say blocking it could one day offer a new treatment for patients with few remaining options.
In laboratory experiments published this month, the team showed that switching off the protein in resistant tumor cells markedly slowed their growth, and that tumors in mice treated with an experimental blocking compound grew more slowly than those in untreated animals.
Why it matters
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Many cases grow slowly and can be monitored or treated successfully. But in a smaller group of patients, the disease stops responding to hormone therapy, one of the main treatments, and spreads more quickly.
The Elmbridge team found that in these resistant cells, a protein involved in repairing damaged DNA becomes unusually active, helping the cancer survive the stress of treatment. The researchers have nicknamed it the “backup switch.”
When the main pathway is blocked by hormone therapy, the cells lean heavily on this backup. Take it away, and they become much more vulnerable.
Dr. Hana Kovac, head of the molecular oncology lab at Elmbridge University
The team tested the approach on cells from 42 tumor samples donated by patients at the city’s teaching hospital. In most of the resistant samples the effect was strong, while in samples that still responded to hormone therapy it was much weaker.
Early days
Independent experts welcomed the work but stressed that it is at an early stage. Many treatments that look promising in the laboratory turn out to be less effective, or not safe enough, in people.
This is a good lead, not a cure. The next step is to show that a drug can hit this target safely in patients, and that takes years.
Dr. Samuel Oduya, oncologist at Riverton University Hospital
The Elmbridge group is now working with chemists to refine the compound and hopes to begin a first small safety trial within three years, subject to approval by regulators.
What patients should know
The findings do not change current treatment. Doctors advise men with symptoms such as difficulty urinating or blood in the urine, or with a family history of prostate cancer, to talk to their doctor about checks and screening. Patients already in treatment should discuss questions about new research with their care team rather than changing therapy on their own.
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