Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against prostate cancer. They have successfully identified the gene responsible for triggering a chain reaction in cells that leads to the spread of the disease to the bone—a difficult condition to treat. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the treatment of prostate cancer, as well as other solid tumor types that also exhibit the presence of this gene.
Bone metastases are a common occurrence in advanced cancers, specifically in prostate and breast cancers. When prostate cancer spreads to the bone, it often becomes fatal due to the lack of effective treatments to combat its progression. The growth and spread of prostate cancer involve complex interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment. While it has been known that a gene called MDA-9 plays a major role in cancer spread, the exact mechanism behind its action has remained unclear—until now.
The researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that MDA-9 activates a protein called PDGF-AA in tumor cells. This protein then interacts with bone marrow-mesenchymal stromal cells, activating a signaling pathway known as Hippo. The Hippo pathway ultimately leads to the release of a protein called CXCL5. This protein plays a crucial role in attracting cancer cells to the bone tissue and promoting the destruction of bone cells.
By disrupting this pathway, it may be possible to halt the spread of prostate cancer. Moreover, the scientists believe that this discovery could have implications for other solid tumor types that also contain the MDA-9 gene, such as brain, breast, lung, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers. Encouragingly, the researchers have already developed an inhibitor drug that targets MDA-9. Initial preclinical studies have demonstrated promising results, paving the way for further research.
Moving forward, the scientists plan to test the drug in clinical samples and eventually in patients. This rigorous testing will provide crucial data to determine its effectiveness and safety. If successful, this inhibitor drug could revolutionize treatment options for prostate cancer patients as well as those with other solid tumor types. The study detailing these findings has been published in a reputable scientific journal, demonstrating the significance and validity of this breakthrough discovery.
