Researchers have created a new compound to treat prostate cancer that has been hard to reach with other options.
How the compound targets prostate cancer
A team at New York University School of Medicine developed a compound called cyclic peptoids that target areas that lead to the multiplication of cancer cells. Compared to untreated cells, the new compound reduced prostate cancer cells by 95%.
The study, which was published in Nature Communications, found that the compound can block the interaction between proteins that turn on the genes which cause the cells to multiply. These genes are helpful when males are developing, because they help the prostate grow. But unless triggered by changes later in life to produce cells, they stop in adulthood. When triggered in adulthood, they can lead to cancer.
As one of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Susan Logan points out, “Rather than continue making compounds that are just like older drugs, the focus of our work has been to rethink the definition of what a drug-like molecule can be.”
Prostate cancer in the United States
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. In fact, about 1 in 9 men will develop it at some point. It’s the second leading cause of cancer-related death (lung cancer is first), but the five-year survival rate is 99%. Obviously, the sooner it’s caught, the better. In the U.S., about 4 of 5 prostate cancers are diagnosed in early stages.
Because prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, it’s important that men get regular screenings starting after age 40. This may include a blood test, digital rectal exam or both.
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include blood in the urine or semen, trouble urinating, erectile dysfunction, weakness or numbness in the feet or legs, and pain in the back, chest and hips.
