Hyaluronic Acid as a Target for Intervention in Prostate Cancer Metastases
Abstract
Bone metastases are a debilitating and devastating complication for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Unfortunately, treatment options for patients with bone metastases are limited. Both hyaluronan synthase (HAS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are upregulated in metastatic prostate cancer cells. 7-Hydroxy-4-Methyl Coumarin (HMC) is an inhibitor of hyaluronan synthase, commonly available in herbal supplements and, up to now, used mainly for digestion complaints. We proposed that it may be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Our hypothesis is that hyaluronic acid (HA) is utilized by prostate cancer cells to facilitate metastasis. Thus, reducing the production of HA should reduce the metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells making HA an ideal target for preventing and treating metastatic disease. The goal of this current research proposal is to determine whether reduction of HAS, via treatment with HMC, will prevent prostate cancer metastasis to bone and other organs or serve as a viable treatment for established bone metastasis. We have shown that HA protein levels in vitro correlate with metastatic potential and HA levels can be modulated in vitro using HMC. Furthermore, we have shown the in vitro growth of prostate cancer cells is slowed by inhibition of HA with HMC. In addition, we now have demonstrated that HMC can slow in vivo prostate cancer growth. We have observed modest effects of HMC on bone metastases. HMC appears have mild effects on preventing bone metastases. However, HMC had no effect on established bone metastases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567469
Entities
People
- Susan S. Padalecki
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio