Cancer News: Austrian Study Finds That Metformin Might Be Useful For Treatment Of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Thailand Medical News Team Aug 21, 2023 1 year, 3 months, 1 day, 17 hours, 6 minutes ago
Cancer News: Prostate cancer, the most common form of cancer among men in Austria and globally, has taken a step towards a potential new treatment avenue. A recent study conducted by an international research team led by MedUni Vienna has unveiled a potential breakthrough in treating metastatic prostate cancer, the advanced and often lethal stage of the disease.
Survival rates for patients with localized prostate cancer have improved over the years according to
Cancer News updates, but the situation is bleak for those with metastatic forms of the condition. Metastatic prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying tumor spread and identifying effective treatments have been challenges in the field.
However, this newly published study could change the game. The researchers, led by Dr Lukas Kenner from the MedUni Vienna Department of Pathology, have delved deep into the cellular signals that contribute to the growth and spread of prostate cancer. Their focus was on a protein called signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its interaction with another protein, interleukin 6 (IL6), which has long been of interest to cancer researchers.
What's particularly intriguing is that the team discovered a surprising twist: continuous activation of STAT3 actually prevents the development and spread of prostate cancer and its metastases. Conversely, disrupting the communication between STAT3 and IL6 can lead to aggressive tumor growth, significantly raising mortality rates.
A Diabetes Medication Shows Promise
Amid their research, the team stumbled upon a connection between STAT3 and a cellular process linked to type 2 diabetes. Specifically, activating STAT3 led to an increase in certain cell components (LKB1/pAMPK), which are responsible for regulating glucose metabolism - a process perturbed in type 2 diabetes. These components, in turn, blocked cancer molecules (mTOR and CREB), putting the brakes on tumor growth.
This connection prompted an innovative approach to treatment. The study team turned to metformin; a common medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by regulating glucose levels.
Their experiments revealed that metformin significantly slowed down the progression of prostate cancer with activated STAT3, a condition closely resembling type 2 diabetes metabolism.
Hope on the Horizon
The potential impact of these findings on prostate cancer treatment is immense. Since metformin is already available and widely used for diabetes management, the transition to potential prostate cancer treatment could be faster than developing an entirely new drug. Lukas Kenner, the principal investigator, is optimistic about the prospects, emphasizing that their findings might pave the way for new treatment options for patients with STAT3-positive prostate cancer in the near future.
Prostate Cancer: A Global Challenge
Prostate cancer has been a persistent concern for men's health, being the most prevalent type of cancer among men in Austria since 1994, followed by lung cancer.
In 2019 alone, 6,039 new cases of prostate cancer were recorded in Austria, with 1,352 individuals succumbing to the disease. The majority of these cases involve localized tumors that can be effectively treated. However, about 20% of patients progress to metastatic prostate cancer, a stage that remains incurable and considerably more aggressive. In fact, prostate tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide, following lung cancer.
Behind the Science: Decoding Prostate Cancer's Secrets
To get to this promising discovery, the research team employed a complex mouse model to study prostate cancer cells in detail. Their focus centered on deciphering the intricate cellular interactions that contribute to tumor growth and spread. The protein STAT3 emerged as a key player, orchestrating vital signals within the cells. What's more, their investigation uncovered the surprising link between STAT3 activation and glucose metabolism, a process affected in type 2 diabetes.
This connection prompted the application of metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Metformin's ability to modulate glucose metabolism came into play, significantly slowing down the progression of prostate cancer in situations where STAT3 was activated.
A Potential Treatment Avenue
The breakthrough is significant not only due to its potential to revolutionize prostate cancer treatment but also because it builds upon an existing medication. Metformin, which is widely available and has a long safety record in diabetes management, could find a new lease of life in the realm of prostate cancer treatment. As researchers explore this avenue further, the hope is that new and effective treatment options will soon emerge for patients with advanced forms of the disease.
Global Impact and Looking Forward
Prostate cancer's devastating impact extends beyond Austria's borders, affecting millions of men worldwide. With limited treatment options available for metastatic prostate cancer, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for patients and their families. As researchers delve deeper into the mechanisms uncovered in this study, the future could hold innovative treatments that transform the outlook for those battling this aggressive form of cancer. The potential marriage of a common diabetes medication with cutting-edge cancer research highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the boundless potential of science to change lives. While challenges remain, this discovery is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards better treatments and improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Molecular Cancer.
https://molecular-cancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12943-023-01825-8
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