A Novel Diterpene Suppresses CWR22Rv1 Tumor Growth in Vivo through Anti-proliferation and Pro-apoptosis

Prostate caner (PCa) is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in men and is also one of the top 10 fatal cancers in Taiwan. The growth of PCa cells is stimulated by androgen. Although the majority of prostate cancers initially respond to androgen ablation, tumors will gradually grow resistance, and patients will eventually die due to widespread metastases. Recently, we isolated from Cryptomeria japonica a seres of diterpene compounds that can suppress the androgen activity in PCa cells. Among these, a new compound called 6-Hydroxy-5,6-dehydrosugiol (HDHS) has a promising potency. We therefore demonstrate that HDHS is capable of suppressing PCa growth by inhibiting androgen receptor activity and inducing apoptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed superior clinical effect in HDHS comparing to the commonly used antiandrogen, Casodex.
Pei-Wen Hsiao

 

Co-researchers:Lin FM, Tsai CH, Yang YC, Tu WC, Chen LR, Liang YS