In a new study, researchers found that a new type of compound could block genes that drive the growth of therapy-resistant prostate cancer.
They found that their “cyclic peptoids” could reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells in by 95% compared to untreated cells.
The experimental drugs also blocked a key growth signal in live animal tests.
The research was conducted by a team from NYU School of Medicine and New York University.
Most prostate cancer patients treated with anti-androgen drugs see their cancer growth resume within months.
Scientists have been trying to additional therapeutic strategies.
In the study, the team focused on abnormal Wnt protein signals that occur in 20 percent of the most treatment-resistant prostate tumors.
They have spent years designing a new class of protein-like compounds to fight the tumors.
In their experiments, the researchers found that the compound could reduce treatment-resistant prostate cancer cell growth by roughly 95% when compared to untreated cancer cells over 22 days.
In a test on animals, the team found that a dose that may work clinically in humans had no toxicity.
They hope to test the new drug on humans soon and will test if the drug could help inhibit growth in colon and breast cancers.
The lead author of the study is Susan Logan, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Urology.
The study is published in Nature Communications.
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