Factors associated with thrombocytopenia in patients treated with pegfilgrastim.

OBJECTIVES: Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor approved in Japan for the prevention of neutropenia caused by antineoplastic agents. Severe thrombocytopenia was reported with pegfilgrastim, however, the factors associated with thrombocytopenia are unclear. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with thrombocytopenia in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with pegfilgrastim for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN) with cabazitaxel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who received pegfilgrastim for primary prophylaxis of FN with cabazitaxel. The timing and severity of thrombocytopenia and factors associated with the reduction rate of platelets were examined in patients who received pegfilgrastim for the primary prevention of FN during the first course of cabazitaxel and by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Thrombocytopenia was most common within 7 days of pegfilgrastim administration, with 32 cases of grade 1 and 6 cases of grade 2 as per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the reduction rate of platelets after pegfilgrastim administration was significantly positively correlated with monocytes. In contrast, the presence of liver metastases and neutrophils was significantly negatively correlated with the reduction rate of platelets. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytopenia due to pegfilgrastim administered as primary prophylaxis for FN with cabazitaxel was most likely to occur within one week after pegfilgrastim administration, suggesting that monocytes, neutrophils, and liver metastases were associated with a reduction in platelets.

Phase Ia/b, Open-Label, Multicenter Study of AZD4635 (an Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist) as Monotherapy or Combined with Durvalumab, in Patients with Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate AZD4635, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, as monotherapy or in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In phase Ia (dose escalation), patients had relapsed/refractory solid tumors; in phase Ib (dose expansion), patients had checkpoint inhibitor-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) or colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer with prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 exposure, or other solid tumors (checkpoint-naïve or prior anti-PD-1/PD-L1 exposure). Patients received AZD4635 monotherapy (75-200 mg once daily or 125 mg twice daily) or in combination with durvalumab (AZD4635 75 or 100 mg once daily). The primary objective was safety; secondary objectives included antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics; exploratory objectives included evaluation of an adenosine gene signature in patients with mCRPC. RESULTS: As of September 8, 2020, 250 patients were treated (AZD4635, n = 161; AZD4635+durvalumab, n = 89). In phase Ia, DLTs were observed with monotherapy (125 mg twice daily; n = 2) and with combination treatment (75 mg; n = 1) in patients receiving nanosuspension. The most common treatment-related adverse events included nausea, fatigue, vomiting, decreased appetite, dizziness, and diarrhea. The RP2D of the AZD4635 capsule formulation was 75 mg once daily, as monotherapy or in combination with durvalumab. The pharmacokinetic profile was dose-proportional, and exposure was adequate to cover target with 100 mg nanosuspension or 75 mg capsule once daily. In patients with mCRPC receiving monotherapy or combination treatment, tumor responses (2/39 and 6/37, respectively) and prostate-specific antigen responses (3/60 and 10/45, respectively) were observed. High versus low blood-based adenosine signature was associated with median progression-free survival of 21 weeks versus 8.7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: AZD4635 monotherapy or combination therapy was well tolerated. Objective responses support additional phase II combination studies in patients with mCRPC.

Abiraterone acetate versus nonsteroidal antiandrogen with androgen deprivation therapy for high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although prostate cancer is a very common form of malignancy in men, the clinical significance of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with abiraterone acetate versus the nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide has not yet been verified in patients with high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The present study was designed to initiate this verification in real-world Japanese clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 312 patients with high-risk mHSPC based on LATITUDE criteria and had received ADT with bicalutamide (n = 212) or abiraterone acetate (n = 100) between September 2015 and December 2020. Bicalutamide was given at 80 mg daily and abiraterone was given at 1000 mg daily as four 250-mg tablets plus prednisolone (5-10 mg daily). Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were compared. The prognostic factor for time to CRPC was analyzed by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Patients in the bicalutamide group were older, and more of them had poor performance status (≧2), than in the abiraterone group. Impaired liver function was noted in 2% of the bicalutamide group and 16% of the abiraterone group (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 22.5 months for bicalutamide and 17 months for abiraterone (p < 0.001). Two-year OS and CSS for bicalutamide versus abiraterone was 77.8% versus 79.5% (p = 0.793) and 81.1% versus 82.5% (p = 0.698), respectively. Median time to CRPC was significantly longer in the abiraterone group than in the bicalutamide group (NA vs. 13 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, Gleason score ≧9, high alkaline phosphatase, high lactate dehydrogenase, liver metastasis, and bicalutamide were independent prognostic risk factors for time to CRPC. Abiraterone prolonged the time to CRPC in patients with each of these prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations regarding the time-dependent bias, ADT with abiraterone acetate significantly prolonged the time to CRPC compared to bicalutamide in patients with high-risk mHSPC. However, further study with longer follow-up is needed.

MET inhibition enhances PARP inhibitor efficacy in castration-resistant prostate cancer by suppressing the ATM/ATR and PI3K/AKT pathways.

Up to 30% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients carry altered DNA damage response genes, enabling the use of poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in advanced CRPC. The proto-oncogene mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is crucial in the migration, proliferation, and invasion of tumour cells. Aberrant expression of MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor is associated with drug resistance in cancer therapy. Here, we found that MET was highly expressed in human CRPC tissues and overexpressed in DU145 and PC3 cells in a drug concentration-dependent manner and is closely related to sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. Combining the PARP inhibitor olaparib with the MET inhibitor crizotinib synergistically inhibited CRPC cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis of the underlying molecular mechanism underlying the MET suppression-induced drug sensitivity revealed that olaparib and crizotinib could together downregulate the ATM/ATR signaling pathway, inducing apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, enhancing the olaparib-induced antitumour effect in DU145 and PC3 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MET inhibition enhances sensitivity of CRPC to PARP inhibitors by suppressing the ATM/ATR and PI3K/AKT pathways and provides a novel, targeted therapy regimen for CRPC.

The Role of Androgen Receptor Splicing Variant 7 in Predicting the Prognosis of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to study the prognostic effects of androgen receptor splicing variant 7 (AR-V7) on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) under different treatment options (chemotherapy, hormone therapy). METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for clinical studies up to June 4, 2021, and used prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression free-survival (PSA-PFS), radiologic PFS (r-PFS), overall survival (OS) and PSA response rate (PSA RR) as the main endpoints. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the source of the specimens. STATA v.15 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 1578 samples. In the abiraterone (AA)/enzalutamide (E) treatment group, AR-V7 positive patients had worse PSA-PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.40; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.56-4.51; P < 0.05) and worse r-PFS (HR = 2.69; 95%CI 1.70-4.24; P < 0.05) and OS (HR = 3.02; 95%CI 1.73-5.30; P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression results showed that AR-V7 positive status was an independent risk factor for OS in the AA/E treatment group. In the taxane treatment group, AR-V7-positive and negative patients had similar PSA-PFS (HR = 0.87; 95%CI 0.46-1.63; P = 0.657), r-PFS (HR = 1.01; 95%CI 0.53-1.96; P = 0.965) and OS (HR = 1.50; 95%CI 0.89-2.52; P = 0.127). For AR-V7-positive patients, the difference in OS between taxane and AA/E treatment was not statistically significant (HR = 1.03; 95%CI 0.52-2.06; P = 0.930). However, multivariate Cox regression results suggested that for AR-V7-positive patients, taxane therapy was a protective factor for OS (HR = 0.35; 95%CI 0.20-0.60; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of AR-V7 indicates a poor prognosis and is an independent risk factor for OS in AA/E-treated mCRPC patients. However, AR-V7 positive status does not play the same role in taxane-treated patients. In addition, compared to AA/E, taxane treatment is a protective factor for OS in AR-V7-positive patients. AR-V7 may thus be an effective biomarker for treatment prognosis in patients with mCRPC.

Novel, non-invasive markers for detecting therapy induced neuroendocrine differentiation in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive variant of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), often emerges upon treatment with androgen pathway inhibitors, via neuroendocrine differentiation. Currently, NEPC diagnosis is challenging as available markers are not sufficiently specific. Our objective was to identify novel, extracellular vesicles (EV)-based biomarkers for diagnosing NEPC. Towards this, we performed small RNA next generation sequencing in serum EVs isolated from a cohort of CRPC patients with adenocarcinoma characteristics (CRPC-Adeno) vs CRPC-NE and identified significant dysregulation of 182 known and 4 novel miRNAs. We employed machine learning algorithms to develop an 'EV-miRNA classifier' that could robustly stratify 'CRPC-NE' from 'CRPC-Adeno'. Examination of protein repertoire of exosomes from NEPC cellular models by mass spectrometry identified thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) as a specific biomarker. In view of our results, we propose that a miRNA panel and TSP1 can be used as novel, non-invasive tools to identify NEPC and guide treatment decisions. In conclusion, our study identifies for the first time, novel non-invasive exosomal/extracellular vesicle based biomarkers for detecting neuroendocrine differentiation in advanced castration resistant prostate cancer patients with important translational implications in clinical management of these patients that is currently extremely challenging.

The role of androgen therapy in prostate cancer: from testosterone replacement therapy to bipolar androgen therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the primary treatment for male testosterone deficiency. This therapy raises concerns over the risk of prostate cancer (PC), because testosterone has historically been considered the fuel for PC. We discuss the re-evaluation of the relationship between androgen and PC, and highlight the safety of TRT in the treatment of symptomatic men with testosterone deficiency who have low-risk disease after treatment for localized PC with surgery or radiation. Furthermore, we review the clinical application and potential mechanisms of bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) in the treatment of castration-resistant PC, emphasizing that much remains to be done before BAT can be broadly applied.

Treating Prostate Cancer by Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

Prostate cancer is the most frequent malignancy in the worldwide male population; it is also one of the most common among all the leading cancer-related death causes. In the last two decades, the therapeutic scenario of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer has been enriched by the use of chemotherapy and androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) and, more recently, by immunotherapy and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. At the same time, several trials have shown the survival benefits related to the administration of novel ARSIs among patients with non-castration-resistant metastatic disease along with nonmetastatic castration-resistant cancer too. Consequently, the therapeutic course of this malignancy has been radically expanded, ensuring survival benefits never seen before. Among the more recently emerging agents, the so-called "antibody-drug conjugates" (ADCs) are noteworthy because of their clinical practice changing outcomes obtained in the management of other malignancies (including breast cancer). The ADCs are novel compounds consisting of cytotoxic agents (also known as the payload) linked to specific antibodies able to recognize antigens expressed over cancer cells' surfaces. As for prostate cancer, researchers are focusing on STEAP1, TROP2, PSMA, CD46 and B7-H3 as optimal antigens which may be targeted by ADCs. In this paper, we review the pivotal trials that have currently changed the therapeutic approach to prostate cancer, both in the nonmetastatic castration-resistant and metastatic settings. Therefore, we focus on recently published and ongoing trials designed to investigate the clinical activity of ADCs against prostate malignancy, characterizing these agents. Lastly, we briefly discuss some ADCs-related issues with corresponding strategies to overwhelm them, along with future perspectives for these promising novel compounds.

Development and prevalence of castration-resistant prostate cancer subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) occurs when prostate cancer (CaP) progresses under therapy-induced castrate conditions. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this acquired resistance, many of which are driven by androgen receptor (AR). Recent findings, however, sub-classified CRPC by downregulation/absence of AR in certain subtypes that consequently do not respond to anti-androgen therapies. To highlight the significance of CRPC sub-classification, we reviewed the development and treatment of CRPC, AR downregulation in CRPC, and summarized recent reports on the prevalence of CRPC subtypes. METHODS: Using a medline-based literature search, we reviewed mechanisms of CRPC development, current treatment schemes, and assessed the prevalence of AR low/negative subtypes of CRPC. Additionally, we performed immunohistochemical staining on human CRPC specimens to quantify AR expression across CRPC subtypes. RESULTS: In the majority of cases, CRPC continues to rely on AR signaling, which can be augmented in castrate-conditions through a variety of mechanisms. However, recently low/negative AR expression patterns were identified in a significant proportion of patient samples from a multitude of independent studies. In these AR low/negative cases, we postulated that AR protein may be downregulated by (1) promoter methylation, (2) transcriptional regulation, (3) post-transcriptional regulation by microRNA or RNA-binding-proteins, or (4) post-translational ubiquitination-mediated degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we discussed mechanisms of CRPC development and summarized the overall prevalence of CRPC subtypes; interestingly, AR low/negative CRPC represented a considerable proportion of diagnoses. Because these subtypes cannot be effectively treated with AR-targeted therapeutics, a better understanding of AR low/negative subtypes could lead to better treatment strategies and increased survival.

Phase I Study of LFA102 in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer or Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is implicated in the tumorigenesis of breast and prostate cancers where it drives cell proliferation, survival, and migration. LFA102 is a humanized monoclonal antibody against PRLR with promising preclinical antitumor activity. To determine the maximum tolerated dose or a recommended dose, and to delineate the pharmacokinetic profile of LFA102 in Japanese patients, we conducted a phase I study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LFA102 was intravenously infused every 4 weeks to patients with advanced breast or castration-resistant prostate cancer, and the dose increased from 3 to 40 mg/kg. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated, and toxicities were reported in 9 (64%) patients. They were all grade 1 or 2, and the most frequently observed toxicity was nausea (3 patients, 21%). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. LFA102 did not show antitumor activity as a single agent. CONCLUSION: Treatment with LFA102 was well tolerated.

Assessment of Factors Predicting Disease Progression in Japanese Patients With Non-Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Despite recent introduction of several novel agents, limited data exist regarding parameters that help predict the progression of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). The objective of this study was to identify prognostic predictors in nmCRPC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 127 consecutive Japanese nmCRPC patients treated in routine clinical practice. Prognostic outcomes in these patients were analyzed to evaluate the impact of several parameters on prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA PFS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS). RESULTS: When the 127 patients were diagnosed with nmCRPC, the PSA and PSA doubling time (PSADT) were 13.5 ng/ml and 17.9 months, respectively. Of these, 77 (60.6%) and 50 (39.4%) were treated with first-generation anti-androgen (FGA) and novel androgen-receptor-axis-targeted agent (ARATA), respectively, as first-line therapy for nmCRPC. The median PSA PFS and MFS after the diagnosis of nmCRPC in these patients were 29.5 months and not reached, respectively. Multivariate analyses identified the following independent prognostic factors: PSA at nmCRPC, PSADT and first-line therapy for nmCRPC for PSA PFS, and PSA at nmCRPC and PSADT for MFS. CONCLUSION: nmCRPC patients with higher PSA and/or shorter PSADT should be treated with ARATA rather than FGA.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 drives the high-fat diet-associated prostate cancer growth.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. PCa progression can be associated with obesity. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in PCa growth. However, whether STAT3 plays a role in high-fat diet (HFD)-associated PCa growth is unknown. Our data show that HFD feeding increases tumor size, STAT3 phosphorylation, and palmitic acid (PA) level in the xenograft tissues of the PCa-bearing xenograft mouse model. In vitro studies show that PA increases STAT3 expression and phosphorylation (STAT3-Y705) in PCa. Computational modeling suggests strong and stable binding between PA and unphosphorylated STAT3 at R593 and N538. The binding changes STAT3 structure and activity. Functional studies show that both STAT3 mutants (R583A and N538A) and STAT3 dominant negative significantly reduce PA-enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation, PA-increased PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In the xenograft mouse models, the HFD-increased tumor growth and STAT3 phosphorylation in tumors are reversed by STAT3 inhibition. Our study not only demonstrates the regulatory role of PA/STAT3 axis in HFD-associated PCa growth but also suggests a novel mechanism of how STAT3 is activated by PA. Our data suggest STAT3 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HFD-associated PCa.

Factors related to early castration resistance in metastatic prostate cancer. Results from the National Prostate Cancer Registry in Spain. / Factores relacionados con la resistencia a la castración precoz en el cáncer de próstata metastásico. Resultados del Registro nacional de cáncer de próstata en España.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to determine the factors independently related with the development of castration resistance (CR) in prostate cancer (PC) in the medium term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 155 patients diagnosed with metastatic PC with a follow-up of up to 39 months. Data taken from the National PC Registry. The evaluated variables were age, PSA, nadir PSA, Gleason, perineural invasion, TNM stages, and ADT type (intermittent/continuous). RESULTS: Mean follow-up 26,2±13,4 months. 47.1% developed early CR, with mean time until onset of 12,2±8,7 months. Univariate analysis the mean PSA was correlated with CR (290±905,1 ng/mL in non CR, 519,1±1437,2 ng/mL in CR, P<.001), mean age (73,3±8,3 years in non CR, 69,1±9,3 in CR P=.01), mean PSA nadir (15,5±57,3ng/mL in non CR, 15,9±23,7 ng/mL in CR, p<0,001), Gleason (in ≥8, HR:2,11. 95% CI: 1.22-3.65, p=0.006), and T stage (in T3-T4, HR: 2.85. 95% CI: 1.57-5.19, P<.001). Multivariate analysis the independent variables associated to CR are age (HR: 0.96. 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, P=.01), PSA nadir (HR: 1.65. 95% CI: 1,43-1,91, P<.001), and T3-T4 stage (HR: 2.11. 95% CI: 1.10-4.04, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: PSA nadir and T3-T4 tumor stage at diagnosis are associated to an increased risk of developing CR. In addition, age at diagnosis is shown as a variable that decreases risk. Therefore, an older age would be associated with lower risk probability of CR in the medium term.

Mitochondrial pyruvate import is a metabolic vulnerability in androgen receptor-driven prostate cancer.

Specific metabolic underpinnings of androgen receptor (AR)-driven growth in prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) are largely undefined, hindering the development of strategies to leverage the metabolic dependencies of this disease when hormonal manipulations fail. Here we show that the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), a critical metabolic conduit linking cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism, is transcriptionally regulated by AR. Experimental MPC inhibition restricts proliferation and metabolic outputs of the citric acid cycle (TCA) including lipogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation in AR-driven PCa models. Mechanistically, metabolic disruption resulting from MPC inhibition activates the eIF2α/ATF4 integrated stress response (ISR). ISR signaling prevents cell cycle progression while coordinating salvage efforts, chiefly enhanced glutamine assimilation into the TCA, to regain metabolic homeostasis. We confirm that MPC function is operant in PCa tumors in-vivo using isotopomeric metabolic flux analysis. In turn, we apply a clinically viable small molecule targeting the MPC, MSDC0160, to pre-clinical PCa models and find that MPC inhibition suppresses tumor growth in hormone-responsive and castrate-resistant conditions. Collectively, our findings characterize the MPC as a tractable therapeutic target in AR-driven prostate tumors.

The evolving role of diet in prostate cancer risk and progression.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This overview examines the rationale for dietary interventions for prostate cancer by summarizing the current evidence base and biological mechanisms for the involvement of diet in disease incidence and progression. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data have further solidified the association between insulin resistance and prostate cancer with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Data also show that periprostatic adipocytes promote extracapsular extension of prostate cancer through chemokines, thereby providing a mechanistic explanation for the association observed between obesity and high-grade cancer. Regarding therapeutics, hyperinsulinemia may be the cause of resistance to phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitors in the treatment of prostate cancer, leading to new investigations combining these drugs with ketogenic diets. SUMMARY: Given the recently available data regarding insulin resistance and adipokine influence on prostate cancer, dietary strategies targeting metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity should be further explored. In macronutrient-focused therapies, low carbohydrate/ketogenic diets should be favored in such interventions because of their superior impact on weight loss and metabolic parameters and encouraging clinical data. Micronutrients, including the carotenoid lycopene which is found in highest concentrations in tomatoes, may also play a role in prostate cancer prevention and prognosis through complementary metabolic mechanisms. The interplay between genetics, diet, and prostate cancer is an area of emerging focus that might help optimize therapeutic dietary response in the future through personalization.

BAG1L: a promising therapeutic target for androgen receptor-dependent prostate cancer.

Androgens are important determinants of normal and malignant prostate growth. They function by binding to the C-terminal ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the androgen receptor (AR). All clinically approved AR-targeting antiandrogens for prostate cancer therapy function by competing with endogenous androgens. Despite initial robust responses to androgen deprivation therapy, nearly all patients with advanced prostate cancer relapse with lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Progression to CRPC is associated with ongoing AR signaling, which in part, is due to the expression of constitutively active AR splice variants that contain the N-terminus of the receptor but lack the C-terminus. Currently, there are no approved therapies specifically targeting the AR N-terminus. Current pharmacologic targeting strategies for inhibiting the AR N-terminal region have proven difficult, due to its intrinsically unstructured nature and lack of enzymatic activity. An alternative approach is to target key molecules such as the cochaperone BAG1L that bind to and enhance the activity of the AR AF1. Here, we review recent literature that suggest Bag-1L is a promising target for AR-positive prostate cancer.

Regulation of the Antioxidant Response by MyoD Transcriptional Coactivator in Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the potential role of the basic helix-loop-helix myogenic transcription regulator MyoD in the regulation of castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: Expression level of MyoD was assessed in prostate cancer tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry and in experimentally induced castration-resistant LNCaP/R cells using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Effect of MyoD knockdown on LNCaP/R cell progression was determined by assessing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation rate. The effect of MyoD knockdown on the oxidative stress state in PC3 cells was determined by assessing antioxidant response gene expression and glutathione synthetase-to-glutathione ratio. Finally, the functional link between the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 1 (NRF1) and the regulation of antioxidant response element-driven transcription by MyoD was studied at both molecular and functional levels. RESULTS: MyoD expression was significantly upregulated in hormone-refractory prostate cancer tissues and in experimentally induced castration-resistant LNCaP/R cells, and MyoD knockdown effectively impaired LNCaP/R cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis under androgen-depleted condition. Moreover, MyoD enhanced the glutathione production and protected against oxidative stress by positively regulating a cluster of antioxidant genes known to be the downstream targets of NRF1. Mechanistically, MyoD could augment the antioxidant response element-driven transcription in an NRF1-dependent manner, and the stimulatory effect of MyoD on the antioxidant response was substantially compromised in the presence of NRF1 small interfering RNA treatment. CONCLUSION: We have identified an unexpected collaboration between MyoD and NRF1 under androgen-depleted condition, which may serve as an important adaptive mechanism during the pathogenesis of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

STAT3 Inhibition Combined with CpG Immunostimulation Activates Antitumor Immunity to Eradicate Genetically Distinct Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancers.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancers show remarkable resistance to emerging immunotherapies, partly due to tolerogenic STAT3 signaling in tumor-associated myeloid cells. Here, we describe a novel strategy combining STAT3 inhibition with Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation to unleash immune response against prostate cancers regardless of the genetic background. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We developed and validated a conjugate of the STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) tethered to immunostimulatory TLR9 agonist (CpG oligonucleotide) to improve targeting of human and mouse prostate cancer and myeloid immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). RESULTS: CpG-STAT3ASO conjugates showed improved biodistribution and potency of STAT3 knockdown in target cells in vitro and in vivo. Systemic administration of CpG-STAT3ASO (5 mg/kg) eradicated bone-localized, Ras/Myc-driven, and Ptenpc -/- Smad4pc -/- Trp53c -/- prostate tumors in the majority of treated mice. These antitumor effects were primarily immune-mediated and correlated with an increased ratio of CD8+ to regulatory T cells and reduced pSTAT3+/PD-L1+ MDSCs. Both innate and adaptive immunity contributed to systemic antitumor responses as verified by the depletion of Gr1+ myeloid cells and CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. Importantly, only the bifunctional CpG-STAT3ASO, but not control CpG oligonucleotides, STAT3ASO alone, or the coinjection of both oligonucleotides, succeeded in recruiting neutrophils and CD8+ T cells into tumors. Thus, the concurrence of TLR9 activation with STAT3 inhibition in the same cellular compartment is indispensable for overcoming tumor immune tolerance and effective antitumor immunity against prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The bifunctional, immunostimulatory, and tolerance-breaking design of CpG-STAT3ASO offers a blueprint for the development of effective and safer oligonucleotide strategies for treatment of immunologically "cold" human cancers.

[Castration resistance mechanisms in prostate cancer.] / Mecanismos de resistencia a la castración.

The androgen-signaling axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Since the landmark discovery by Huggins and Hodges, gonadal depletion of androgens has remained a mainstay of therapy for advanced disease. However, invariably progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) occurs within 2-3 years of initiation of ADT. Multiple mechanisms of resistance help contribute to the progression to castration resistant disease, and the androgen receptor (AR) remains an important driver in this progression. Molecular mechanisms behind AR reactivation in CRPC include AR gene amplification and overexpression, AR mutations, expression of constitutively active AR variants, intratumoral and adrenal androgen synthesis and promiscuous AR activation by other factors. Other AR-independent resistance mechanisms, including activation of glucocorticoid receptor, impairment of DNA repair pathways, immune-mediated resistance, neuroendocrine differentiation and microRNA expression, are also discussed. Castration-resistant prostate cancer is a complicated disease, characterized by multiple resistance mechanisms to androgen deprivation treatment, and it remains an incurable disease. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying this resistance is necessary to identify future therapeutic targets as well as the identification and validation of novel predictive biomarkers of resistance; they may lead to improved therapeutics for mCRPC patients.

Adrenals Contribute to Growth of Castration-Resistant VCaP Prostate Cancer Xenografts.

The role of adrenal androgens as drivers for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) growth in humans is generally accepted; however, the value of preclinical mouse models of CRPC is debatable, because mouse adrenals do not produce steroids activating the androgen receptor. In this study, we confirmed the expression of enzymes essential for de novo synthesis of androgens in mouse adrenals, with high intratissue concentration of progesterone (P4) and moderate levels of androgens, such as androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone, in the adrenal glands of both intact and orchectomized (ORX) mice. ORX alone had no effect on serum P4 concentration, whereas orchectomized and adrenalectomized (ORX + ADX) resulted in a significant decrease in serum P4 and in a further reduction in the low levels of serum androgens (androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone), measured by mass spectrometry. In line with this, the serum prostate-specific antigen and growth of VCaP xenografts in mice after ORX + ADX were markedly reduced compared with ORX alone, and the growth difference was not abolished by a glucocorticoid treatment. Moreover, ORX + ADX altered the androgen-dependent gene expression in the tumors, similar to that recently shown for the enzalutamide treatment. These data indicate that in contrast to the current view, and similar to humans, mouse adrenals synthesize significant amounts of steroids that contribute to the androgen receptor-dependent growth of CRPC.