Scientists Find a New Way to Combat Prostate Cancer

According to a new study published in the scientific journal Science Translational Medicine, saturated fatty acids contribute to the development and accelerate the growth of prostate tumours. Since blocking these acids apparently slows the progression of cancer, this suggests a new therapeutic approach to treating malignant neoplasms of the prostate.

According to the leading authors of the study – Renea Taylor, deputy director of the oncology program at the Biomedical Research Institute in Clayton, Australia, and Professor Matthew Watt, head of the physiology department at the University of Melbourne – despite the fact that prostate tumours grow slowly, doctors have not yet been able to prevent them from reaching an aggressive stage.

The researchers aimed to understand what allows prostate cancer to become so aggressive. They specifically intended to determine what fuels the cells of this type of cancer and how the metabolism of prostate tumours differs from the metabolism of other forms of oncology. "There is a strong link between obesity, dietary patterns, and adverse outcomes for men with prostate cancer," says Professor Taylor, explaining what prompted the scientists to study the impact of fatty acids on the development of this disease.

It has been established that among men who abuse products rich in saturated fats, such as red meat, processed meats, bacon, baked goods, and high-fat dairy products, aggressive forms of prostate cancer are more frequently observed. Therefore, the scientists set out to study the role of fatty acids in the growth of this type of tumour in more detail.

Blocking Fatty Acid Transport Slows Cancer Development

The researchers took samples of tumour tissues from men with prostate cancer and transplanted them into laboratory mice. They found that the absorption of fatty acids by cancer cells was higher, and that they used them as a sort of fuel for tumour growth, while healthy cells use glucose as an energy source. The scientists also discovered that the CD36 receptor protein, responsible for the transport of fatty acids, is an activator of these metabolic changes. Moreover, this protein, as established in earlier studies, is associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Then, the Australian researchers removed the gene responsible for producing this transporter and studied the consequences for rodents with prostate tumours. The removal of the gene reduced the signaling functions of lipids that led to cancer formation and slowed tumour progression. The scientists also noted that therapy using antibodies against the CD36 protein reduced the aggressiveness of cancer in mice. Thus, they claim to have discovered a new therapeutic target.

"Our results indicate the important role of saturated fatty acid absorption in the development of prostate cancer and suggest that targeting this process could be an effective strategy in treating this type of tumour," summarize the authors of the study.

"It has long been known that disturbances in fatty acid metabolism are associated with the development of many chronic diseases," says Professor Watt. "We are pleased to have applied this knowledge to cancer and proposed a new approach to treating a disease that affects a large number of men worldwide today."

"Our main goal is to develop more effective treatment that would prevent tumours from progressing to late or advanced stages," concludes Renea Taylor. "And our research proves that blocking fatty acid transport is one way to achieve this goal."

According to the American Cancer Society, this year in the USA, doctors will diagnose prostate cancer in 175,000 men, with more than 30,000 dying from this disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among the male population in America, after lung cancer.