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Inhibition of prostate cancer growth by 9-aminocamptothecin and estramustine
1Michigan Prostate Institute, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor 48109-0680, USA.
Objectives:
Hormone-refractory prostate cancer continues to be associated with a very poor prognosis. Agents that interact with the nuclear matrix have been demonstrated to have activity against hormone-refractory prostate cancer. It was the aim of this study to assess the activity of estramustine, an estradiol-nitrogen mustard conjugate, and 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, in a preclinical model of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Methods:
We used the Dunning rat prostatic adenocarcinoma model to demonstrate that the combination of estramustine and 9-AC interacts at the level of the nuclear matrix to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Results:
We demonstrate that the combination of these two agents at pharmacologically achievable doses are cytotoxic to rat and human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in the rat.
Conclusions:
The combination of the two drugs was significantly more cytotoxic than either drug alone. We have instituted a Phase II clinical trial in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer using 9-AC based on these preclinical findings.
Insights
Combining estramustine and 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) shows significant preclinical activity against hormone-refractory prostate cancer. This combination therapy is more cytotoxic than single agents, prompting clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) has a poor prognosis.
- Nuclear matrix-targeting agents show promise in HRPC treatment.
- Estramustine and 9-aminocamptothecin (9-AC) are agents with potential activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of estramustine and 9-AC in a preclinical HRPC model.
- To assess the combined effect of estramustine and 9-AC on prostate cancer cell growth.
- To investigate the mechanism of action at the nuclear matrix level.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Dunning rat prostatic adenocarcinoma model.
- Investigated the interaction of estramustine and 9-AC with the nuclear matrix.
- Assessed cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo in rat models.
Main Results:
- The combination of estramustine and 9-AC demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against rat and human prostate cancer cells.
- Pharmacologically achievable doses of the combination were effective.
- The combined treatment was more cytotoxic than either agent alone.
Conclusions:
- Estramustine and 9-AC combination therapy is a promising strategy for HRPC.
- Preclinical findings support the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial for HRPC patients.
- Further clinical investigation of 9-AC-based regimens is warranted.
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