Research shows combination therapy may be effective against prostate cancer

A study, from an international team of researchers, may offer hope to patients with prostate cancer as it shows that a combination therapy could potentially reduce the recurrence rate of the disease.

The research, published in Nature Communications, investigated the impact of anti-hormone therapy on prostate cancer, finding an inadvertent consequence. Anti-hormone therapy, commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer, was also found to activate the DNA repair enzyme PARP. Unfortunately, by triggering PARP, the cancer cells are more able to withstand the anti-hormone therapy allowing the disease to progress.

To negate this consequence and to reduce the recurrence of cancer in the prostate the team prescribed PARP inhibitors, which prevent DNA repair, finding that these alongside anti-hormone therapy may benefit men with prostate cancer.

“Prostate cancer is a devastating illness with a high death rate. Our exciting discovery will help remedy this and increase chances of survival for the thousands of men who contract the disease every year,” said lead author Dr Mohammad Asim from the University of Surrey. “Our research shows that anti-hormone treatment could be combined with PARP inhibitor to prevent the progression of the disease.”

“This early stage study adds to the growing evidence that some men with prostate cancer could benefit from being given PARP inhibitors alongside hormone deprivation treatment,” added Dr Catherine Pickworth from Cancer Research UK. “The next step is to carry out clinical trials to test if this treatment combination is safe to use in patients and if it helps more men survive the disease.”