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Chinese Herbal Medicine Ganoderma tsugae Displays Potential Anti-Cancer Efficacy on Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells
Wen-Chin Huang1, Meng-Shiun Chang2, Shih-Yin Huang3
1Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 110122, Taiwan. huangwc@mail.cmu.edu.tw.
Abstract:
Resistance to the current therapies is the main clinical challenge in the treatment of lethal metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Developing novel therapeutic approaches with effective regimes and minimal side effects for this fatal disease remain a priority in prostate cancer study. In the present study, we demonstrated that a traditional Chinese medicine, quality-assured Ganoderma tsugae ethanol extract (GTEE), significantly suppressed cell growth and metastatic capability and caused cell cycle arrest through decreasing expression of cyclins in mPCa cells, PC-3 and DU145 cells. GTEE also induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in mPCa cells. We further showed the potent therapeutic efficacy of GTEE by inhibiting subcutaneous PC-3 tumor growth in a xenograft model. The in vitro and in vivo efficacies on mPCa cells were due to blockade of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways associated with cancer cell growth, survival and apoptosis. These preclinical data provide the molecular basis for a new potential therapeutic approach toward the treatment of lethal prostate cancer progression.
Insights
Ganoderma tsugae ethanol extract (GTEE) shows promise for treating lethal metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). This traditional Chinese medicine suppressed cancer cell growth, metastasis, and tumor growth by impacting key cell signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) presents significant therapeutic challenges due to treatment resistance.
- Novel treatments with improved efficacy and reduced side effects are crucial for lethal mPCa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-cancer effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma tsugae ethanol extract (GTEE), on lethal metastatic prostate cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying GTEE's efficacy in mPCa.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using mPCa cell lines (PC-3, DU145) to assess cell growth, metastasis, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
- In vivo studies using a xenograft mouse model to evaluate GTEE's efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth.
- Analysis of key signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK.
Main Results:
- GTEE significantly suppressed mPCa cell growth and metastatic potential.
- GTEE induced cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclins and triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis.
- GTEE demonstrated potent in vivo efficacy by inhibiting subcutaneous PC-3 tumor growth.
- GTEE's effects were attributed to the blockade of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- GTEE exhibits significant preclinical anti-cancer activity against lethal metastatic prostate cancer.
- GTEE acts by inhibiting critical cancer cell survival and proliferation pathways.
- These findings support GTEE as a potential novel therapeutic agent for advanced prostate cancer.
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