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Targeting polyamines and inflammation for cancer prevention

Naveen Babbar1, Eugene W Gerner

  • 1Research and Development, Osmetech Molecular Diagnostic, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA. naveen.babbar@osmetech.com

Recent Results in Cancer Research. Fortschritte Der Krebsforschung. Progres Dans Les Recherches Sur Le Cancer
|January 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Targeting polyamine synthesis and inflammation may prevent cancer. A study showed difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and sulindac reduced colon polyps and prostate cancer risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Increased polyamine synthesis and inflammation are linked to intraepithelial neoplasia, precursors to human cancers.
  • Targeting polyamine metabolism and inflammation shows promise for preventing cancers like colon, prostate, and skin.
  • Genetic variants in polyamine biosynthetic genes correlate with colon and prostate cancer risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the efficacy of combined strategies targeting polyamines and inflammation for cancer risk reduction.
  • To review clinical trial data on polyamine synthesis inhibitors and anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trials involving difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a polyamine synthesis inhibitor.
  • Analysis of studies combining DFMO with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like sulindac.
  • Examination of genetic epidemiology data linking gene variants to cancer risk.

Main Results:

  • DFMO treatment reduced prostate volume and PSA doubling time in men at risk for prostate cancer.
  • A combination trial of DFMO and sulindac in patients with colon polyps showed significant reductions in adenoma formation.
  • The 3-year treatment demonstrated a 70% reduction in all colon adenomas and over 90% reduction in advanced/multiple metachronous adenomas.

Conclusions:

  • Combined strategies targeting both polyamine metabolism and inflammation are effective in reducing cancer risk factors.
  • These combination approaches hold potential for the prevention of various human cancers.
  • Further research into dual-targeting prevention strategies is warranted for broader cancer prevention applications.

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