The Prostate
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Epidemiologic studies have suggested that environmental factors and diet are important risk factors in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. The N-acetyltransferases (NAT) are important enzymes in activation and inactivation of various carcinogens, including those found in well-cooked meat and cigarette smoke. ⋯ Our results indicate a role of NAT2 polymorphisms in the carcinogenic pathway of prostate cancer, specifically in a population of Southern Europe.
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The effect of ionizing radiation on extracellular matrix (ECM)-mediated cellular functions is an important area of research for translational science. Mechanisms of tumor cell ability to proliferate, migrate, and survive appear dependent on integrin-mediated adhesion to the ECM; however, the exact role therapeutic radiation plays in altering signaling pathways and promoting cell death within remains less well established. ⋯ High dose radiation treatment of prostate cancer cell lines inhibits integrin expression. Our study suggests that promoting a synergistic decrease in adhesion could bring additional therapeutic benefit to patients treated with radiation therapy.
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Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand/Apo2 ligand (TRAIL/Apo-2L) is a novel anticancer agent, capable of inducing apoptosis preferentially in tumor and transformed cells. TRAIL-R1/death receptor (DR)4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5 are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and can be activated by the TRAIL. We examined the clinical potential of chemotherapeutic drugs and TRAIL for the treatment of prostate cancer. ⋯ Chemotherapeutic drugs can be used to enhance the therapeutic potential of TRAIL in prostate cancer.
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Clinical Trial
A phase II trial of imatinib mesylate in patients with prostate specific antigen progression after local therapy for prostate cancer.
To test the hypothesis that progression of androgen sensitive prostate cancer is dependent on growth factors, such as platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and inhibition of PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) with imatinib will induce anti-tumor activity. ⋯ This first study evaluated the efficacy and safety of imatinib in patients with early androgen sensitive prostate cancer following local therapy. As a single agent at this dosing, imatinib had limited biochemical activity.
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Recent studies suggest that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in serum is of prognostic significance for prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate this hypothesis. ⋯ Serum MIF alone or MIF to PSA related variables did not seem suitable for providing additional information on PCa patients. That re-evaluated diagnostic validity of MIF was in contrast to results by another group shown previously.