Scientists at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center have found a promising new way to fight one of the most dangerous forms of prostate cancer. Led by Dr. Joshi Alumkal, the research team discovered that a specific protein, called LSD1, plays a major role in turning regular prostate tumors into aggressive and harder-to-treat cancers.
Most prostate cancers respond well to early treatments like surgery or hormone therapy. However, in some cases, the cancer changes and becomes more dangerous.
This advanced type is known as neuroendocrine prostate cancer, and it is much more difficult to treat. The process behind this change is called “lineage plasticity”—essentially, the cancer cells change their identity, making them more resistant to treatment.
The researchers focused on the LSD1 protein because it works like a switch that turns certain genes on or off. In past studies, Dr. Alumkal’s team had already shown that LSD1 helps regular prostate cancer cells survive by switching on genes linked to stem cells.
In their new study, they found that LSD1 is even more active in the more aggressive neuroendocrine form of prostate cancer.
To test how important LSD1 is to these aggressive cancer cells, the scientists removed it from the cells and saw a major slowdown in their growth. But they didn’t stop there.
They discovered that it’s not just LSD1’s enzyme activity that matters—it’s also how it connects with other proteins. Blocking these interactions turned out to be a more powerful way to stop the cancer.
One of the most exciting parts of the study involved testing a drug called seclidemstat. This drug is already in early clinical trials for another cancer called sarcoma.
The team found that seclidemstat stopped the growth of prostate cancer cells—and in some cases, actually reversed it. Even more encouraging, the drug did not harm the mice used in the study, suggesting it may be safe for humans too.
The team also made another important discovery. LSD1 seems to interfere with a gene called p53, which is known for its role in preventing cancer. When LSD1 is active, it shuts down p53.
But when LSD1 is blocked, p53 switches back on—and this helps slow down or stop cancer growth. This means drugs that block LSD1 could also help reactivate p53, offering a two-in-one benefit for treating cancer.
This research could lead to a big step forward in treating not just aggressive prostate cancer, but possibly other types of cancer as well. Since p53 plays a role in many cancers, drugs that reactivate it by blocking LSD1 could be useful in a wide range of cases.
Dr. Alumkal and his team are hopeful about moving quickly toward human trials, especially since seclidemstat is already being tested in people. Their work shows that understanding the tiny details of how cancer works can open up new ways to stop it.
This discovery shines a light on a new and hopeful path for cancer treatment. With continued research and support, these findings could help many people facing some of the toughest forms of cancer in the years to come.
If you care about prostate cancer, please read studies about 5 types of bacteria linked to aggressive prostate cancer, and new strategy to treat advanced prostate cancer.
For more information about prostate cancer, please see recent studies about new way to lower risk of prostate cancer spread, and results showing three-drug combo boosts survival in metastatic prostate cancer.
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