A drug, called CDKI-73, is showing promising results against aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
- CDKI-73 is an inhibitor of the CDK9 protein which plays a role in the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells.
- The study shows that CDKI-73 is “a promising candidate for the treatment of solid tumors such as prostate cancer.”
- Trials are also being conducted on the efficacy of CDKI-73 against relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.
With approximately 59,000 new cases per year, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. While the disease has one of the highest five-year survival rates, some particularly aggressive forms defy conventional therapies.
A team from Flinders University and South Australia University has found a promising new treatment option for these malignant prostate tumours: the drug CDKI-73. Their work is detailed in the journal British Journal of Cancer.
Prostate cancer: an inhibitor that blocks tumor growth
In this study, the scientists targeted a protein called cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), which is known to promote the growth and survival of prostate tumors. So they tested whether a CDK9 inhibitor, called CDKI-73, could help reduce the resistance of cancer cells.
The molecule was put in contact with prostate cancer samples. These tests revealed the effectiveness of the inhibitor. “Our research demonstrates that CDKI-73 effectively blocks the growth of prostate cancer, even aggressive subtypes of the disease that are resistant to current treatments.”explains Professor Luke Selth of Flinders University.
“Importantly, CDKI-73 specifically targets cancer cells without harming normal cells and its potential as an oral capsule makes it an attractive treatment option.”adds the author in a press release.
CDKI-73: Further research needed
“Our proof-of-principle study is an important step toward future clinical trials and these results will inform future studies on the use and efficacy of CDKI-73 as a treatment for prostate cancer.”explains Professor Shudong Wang of the University of South Australia.
In addition, CDKI-73 could be a therapeutic avenue for other types of tumors. The researchers said it was also being studied for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer. Phase 2 clinical trials are underway.
However, we will have to wait before seeing the inhibitor enter the arsenal against these two diseases. “We still need to do much more work to fully understand the potential of CDK9 inhibitors and to bring a new treatment to patients”confirms Pr Luke Selth.
