Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequently
diagnosed cancer among men, being the leading cause of cancer mortality for elderly
males. It can be effectively treated with a prostatectomy when detected early.
However, when cancer metastasizes beyond the prostate it often treated with
castration therapies. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) through
either chemical or surgical castration works initially to control metastatic
prostate cancer, the cancer often progresses to treatment resistant prostate
cancer, such as castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) or hormone
refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). There is no efficient treatment for
resistant prostate cancer, hence, 75% of patients die within the first five
years of disease onset. Through research, it was identified that changes to the
DNA damage and repair pathways are an essential part of prostate cancer
progression to resistant prostate cancer. Moreover, the increased expression of
DNA repair-associated genes and in particular base excision repair (BER)-associated
genes is found to be a therapeutic target in most advanced prostate cancer.
However, there have been no attempts to target core enzymes of BER in prostate
cancer. FIU scientists have developed compositions and methods
for treating prostate cancer by targeting DNA repair within cancer/tumor cells.
The technology inhibits BER capacity in cancer cells without compromising normal cell
growth, slowing down tumor growth and metastasis.
Compared to currently available chemotherapy treatment options for
castrate-resistant prostate cancer, these methods could provide an effective
treatment with fewer side effects.
Benefit
Effective treatment for prostate cancer, including advanced prostate cancer using FDA approved drugsCan effectively block DNA repair in cancer cells without affecting normal cell growthReduce the recurrence of prostate cancerPrevent the progress and proliferation of prostate cancer cells
Market Application
Can be used for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, either early or advancedCould also be used in treating other cancers and relieving the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders
Brochure
