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Evasion of cell death: A contributory factor in prostate cancer development and treatment resistance

Kirsteen J Campbell1, Hing Y Leung1

  • 1CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.

Cancer Letters
|August 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Defective cell death pathways, particularly apoptosis, are crucial in prostate cancer progression. New therapies targeting BCL-2 proteins offer promise for restoring cancer cell death and improving treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Cell death is vital for development, homeostasis, and preventing cancer.
  • Defective cell death, especially apoptosis, is implicated in tumor development and treatment resistance.
  • Prostate cancer, particularly advanced forms, exhibits defective intrinsic apoptosis, governed by BCL-2 proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the role of cell death deregulation in prostate cancer.
  • To explore the potential of novel therapeutics targeting BCL-2 proteins in prostate cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cell death mechanisms in cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of BCL-2 protein family in apoptosis regulation.
  • Discussion of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting BCL-2 proteins.

Main Results:

  • Intrinsic apoptosis is frequently impaired in prostate cancer, especially in metastatic and castration-resistant stages.
  • Targeting pro-survival BCL-2 proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1) has shown efficacy in hematological cancers.
  • These targeted therapies hold potential for reinstating apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulation of cell death is a key factor in prostate cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic failure.
  • Targeting BCL-2 family proteins represents a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance in prostate cancer.
  • Further research into these novel therapeutics could significantly improve outcomes for advanced prostate cancer patients.
Keywords:
ApoptosisBCL-2BH3-MimeticsCell deathMCL-1MetastasesProstate cancer

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