PFAS Exposures Reprogram Prostate Stem Cells to Drive Carcinogenesis and Cancer Progression
Abstract
U.S. military bases stateside and abroad are heavily contaminated with a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) that are commonly used for firefighting on bases and naval ships, and also disposed of through burn pits. The wide and unchecked use of PFAS has contaminated the drinking water, soil, and air at military sites. PFAS are commonly called forever chemicals since they do not readily biodegrade, and they build up in the body of exposed individuals. PFAS are linked to many diseases including some cancers (kidney, testes). There are also limited data with humans that suggests that PFAS may increase prostate cancer risk and death in men exposed to higher levels. Importantly, military Veterans have higher rates of prostate cancer than the general population. Whether this is due to PFAS exposure is unknown. The objectives of this proposal are to determine if PFAS rewire the long-lived prostate stem cells and cause increased risk and even death from disease and cancer. Applicability to Fiscal Year 2022 Toxic Exposures Research Program Goals and Topic Areas: The proposed research addresses Program Goal 1: to understand how this toxic exposure results in adverse health, specifically prostate cancer, in military personnel. The Topic Area addressed is service-related Toxic Exposures, with a Focus Area of the mechanisms of systemic exposure to PFAS. The types of patients helped by this research are Military men, male Family members living on or near the bases, and male Veterans; all at high risk of extended PFAS exposures. They are also at risk of developing prostate cancer, the leading cancer diagnosis in American men and the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths. These men may therefore benefit from the proposed work, the first in-depth study of prostate cancer risk from PFAS exposures related to active duty. Basic research and a description of intermediate outcomes and potential benefits: In the short term, these basic science studies will provide the first comprehensive examination and knowledge of the prostate cancer-promoting actions of PFAS exposure. The work will identify molecules that can lead to prevention and therapies for prostate cancer. Likely contribution to advance knowledge with clinical applications: The knowledge gained will provide a clear rationale for advanced prostate cancer screening (e.g., PSA tests, urologic exams) at an earlier age in military personnel and Veterans who are and were exposed to PFAS on American military bases. Early screening will catch prostate cancer at an earlier stage of the disease when it is most treatable, leading to fewer prostate cancer-related deaths. In addition, the detailed studies may identify biological markers of PFAS exposure that could be used for screening purposes. Furthermore, the proposed studies are aimed to discover molecules that can be targeted for prostate cancer therapies in PFAS-exposed men. How does the project impact the health of Service Members and Veterans? Male Service Members and military Veterans in the U.S. have a 1 in 5 risk of developing prostate cancer. This rate is much higher than that of the general population in the U.S., with a risk of 1 in 9 men developing prostate cancer. The present studies, the first to address prostate cancer and PFAS, will raise awareness that prostate cancer is a negative consequence of PFAS exposures on military bases. Awareness will encourage early screening and detection which will reduce death from this disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2024
- Source ID
- HT94252310707
Entities
People
- Gail Prins
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Illinois at Chicago