A compound originally developed as a cholesterol-lowering molecule not only inhibits the progression of prostate cancer cells but kills them too, a new study has found.
Researchers at the University of Missouri in the United States have found that a compound developed by Roche Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of high cholesterol was effective in reducing human prostate cancer cell growth. Dubbed as RO 48-8071, the molecules have also caused cancer cell death.
The current treatment procedure used to treat prostate cancer is chemotherapy. This method targets cancer cells but they can transform into drug-resistant ones, limiting the procedure's effectiveness.
The researchers looked for an alternative treatment that could help patients who are suffering from prostate cancer. The experimental drug turned out to be an effective weapon against cancer cells, the researchers have found.
Cholesterol molecules are important for cancer cells to construct cell membranes. When their supply of cholesterol is reduced, it could lead to the death of tumor cells.
Cell membranes work to protect the inner portion of cells, where all components are vital for life. If the cell membranes are lacking or defective, it will be easier for drugs or chemotherapy agents to kill these cells.
"Cholesterol is a molecule found in animal cells that serves as a structural component of cell membranes. When tumor cells grow, they synthesize more cholesterol," said lead researcher Salman Hyder, a professor of biomedical sciences in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.
The researchers wanted to focus on reducing the production of cholesterol in cancer cells to induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. This will reduce the need for the toxic agents used in chemotherapy, which could result in a variety of accompanying side effects.
To land to their findings, the research team tested the compound RO 48-8071 on human prostate cancer cells in laboratory mice. They observed that the compound slowed the growth of cancer cells in mice and in subsequent studies, it caused cancer cell death.
The discovery could pave way for scientists to develop new therapies for cancer patients since prostate cancer drugs are currently expensive.
Prostate Cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there will be 180,890 new cases of prostate cancer and an estimated 26,120 people will die of this disease in 2016.
Photo: Dominique Godbout | Flickr
