Evidence that Human Prostate Cancer is a ZIP1-Deficient Malignancy that could be Effectively Treated with a Zinc Ionophore (Clioquinol) Approach
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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Leslie C Costello1, Renty B Franklin1, Jing Zou2
1Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences; Dental School; and The Greenebaum Cancer Center; University of Maryland; Baltimore, USA.
Abstract:
Despite decades of research, no efficacious chemotherapy exists for the treatment of prostate cancer. Malignant prostate zinc levels are markedly decreased in all cases of prostate cancer compared to normal/benign prostate. ZIP1 zinc transporter down regulation decreases zinc to prevent its cytotoxic effects. Thus, prostate cancer is a "ZIP1-deficient" malignancy. A zinc ionophore (e.g. Clioquinol) treatment to increase malignant zinc levels is a plausible treatment of prostate cancer. However, skepticism within the clinical/biomedical research community impedes significant progress leading to such a zinc treatment. This report reviews the clinical and experimental background, and presents new experimental data showing Clioquinol suppression of prostate malignancy; which provides strong support for a zinc ionophore treatment for prostate cancer. Evaluation of often-raised opposing issues is presented. These considerations lead to the conclusion that the compelling evidence dictates that a zinc-treatment approach for prostate cancer should be pursued with additional research leading to clinical trials.
Insights
Prostate cancer malignancy is linked to decreased zinc levels. Clioquinol, a zinc ionophore, shows promise in increasing malignant zinc and suppressing prostate cancer, warranting further clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Prostate cancer lacks effective chemotherapy options.
- Malignant prostate tissue exhibits significantly reduced zinc levels compared to normal tissue.
- Downregulation of the ZIP1 zinc transporter contributes to decreased intracellular zinc in prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of targeting zinc levels for prostate cancer treatment.
- To evaluate Clioquinol, a zinc ionophore, as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
- To address skepticism and present evidence supporting zinc-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical and experimental data on prostate cancer and zinc.
- Presentation of new experimental data on Clioquinol's effect on prostate malignancy.
- Evaluation of counterarguments and challenges to zinc-based treatments.
Main Results:
- Experimental data demonstrates Clioquinol's suppression of prostate malignancy.
- Increased malignant zinc levels via ionophore treatment show therapeutic potential.
- Evidence supports the hypothesis that prostate cancer is a "ZIP1-deficient" malignancy.
Conclusions:
- Compelling evidence supports pursuing a zinc-treatment approach for prostate cancer.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate zinc ionophore therapy.
- Targeting zinc transport offers a plausible new avenue for prostate cancer treatment.
