Selenium is a Chemotherapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Abstract
A large body of data suggests that selenium supplementation may be used as a chemopreventive strategy to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In spite of this, little is known regarding the use of selenium as a cancer therapy. High doses of selenite can deplete cells of the primary intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, and generate superoxide. The net effect of the metabolism of selenite is a profound alteration in the cellular redox status and generation of potentially lethal reactive oxygen species. We have characterized the tumor-selective killing properties of selenite in patient-matched pairs of normal and malignant prostate cells and demonstrated the ability of selenite to sensitize prostate cancer cells to -irradiation. Currently, we are examining the effects of selenite on androgen receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo. The primary goal of this proposal was to generate preclinical data supporting the concept that selenite might be a novel chemotherapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA453289
Entities
People
- Susan J. Knox
Organizations
- Stanford University