Turkish Professor Discovers a New Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Western countries. Approximately 1.3 million new cases occur worldwide each year. According to World Cancer Statistics , approximately 310.000 people die of prostate cancer annually. Effective treatments are therefore needed. In January 2019, Nature Communications published a study developing an effective approach against prostate cancer. It reflects 10 years of preclinical research in clinical practice.

The research was conducted under the leadership of a Turkish professor with his own laboratory in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Oslo, Norway, Fahri Saatçioğlu . In 2015, Professor Saatçioğlu discovered in prostate cancer cells 2 signaling pathways , one active and the other inactive. This study found that the active pathway, IRE1, is also important in activating oncogenes (a category of cancer-related genes). IRE1 was responsible for activating the cancer-related protein C-MYC. This pathway discovery relates to the endoplasmic reticulum, an organelle important in cellular responses to carcinogens. Our cells face “cellular stresses / carcinogens” in various ways. Cancer cells are under greater stress than normal cells because rapid proliferation requires sufficient oxygen and nutrients. They exploit normal stress responses. This study targeted that mechanism with MKC8866, developed by biotechnology company MannKind by screening 200.000 chemical compounds. MKC8866 is an anticancer agent in the hydroxyl-aryl-aldehyde group.

MKC8866 blocked the stress-response signaling pathway in targeted prostate cancer cells. It also successfully halted prostate cancer growth in cell culture and mouse models.

What Does This Study Mean for Us?

• This discovery is an excellent example of basic science translating to clinical practice: an important prostate cancer signaling pathway was discovered, then a drug targeting it effectively destroyed cancer cells.
• European clinical trials with these cellular-targeted anticancer agents are planned soon.

Figure Explanation: The mechanism of MKC8866, which may become a prostate cancer drug, is shown. In prostate cancer cells, the androgen receptor drives IRE1-alpha expression (production). The IRE1 alpha enzyme then produces XBP1. XBP1 increases c-MYC activity, a powerful oncoprotein contributing to progression. MKC8866 inhibits XBP1 expression, substantially reducing c-MYC activity and consequently halting tumor growth. Prof.

Fahri Saatçioğlu began Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1981 and completed half his university education in America. Frequently featured in our press for cancer discoveries, he is also known for research on Yoga and its health benefits.