Washington DC
New York
Toronto
Distribution: (800) 510 0384
Press ID
  • Login
Fairmont Post
No Result
View All Result
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  • Business • Financial
  • Culture • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle • Travel
  • Technology • Science
  • Environment • Conservation
  • FinTech • Blockchain NFT
  • Business • Financial
  • Culture • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle • Travel
  • Technology • Science
  • Environment • Conservation
  • FinTech • Blockchain NFT
No Result
View All Result
Fairmont Post
No Result
View All Result

New Study Reveals Prostate Cancer Generates Its Own Hormonal Fuel

Craig Richer by Craig Richer
June 12, 2023
in Science
A A
New Study Reveals Prostate Cancer Generates Its Own Hormonal Fuel

Washington University in St. Louis

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently conducted a study on mice to investigate how prostate cancer adapts to common anti-hormone therapy. The study discovered that when prostate cancer cells sense a decrease in testosterone levels due to therapy, they begin producing cholesterol, a vital precursor to testosterone, to generate their own testosterone to fuel tumor growth. However, the research also identified a potential drug combination that may prevent cancer from producing its own hormonal fuel.

The research provides crucial insights into how prostate cancer cells adapt to testosterone-deprivation therapy, which is a common treatment option. Unlike healthy prostate cells, cancer cells can generate their own hormonal fuel when deprived of testosterone. The study also revealed that treating aggressive prostate tumors with inhibitors that block parts of the hormonal fuel supply chain can slow tumor growth in mice. This research offers a promising new treatment strategy for prostate cancer that has become resistant to standard anti-testosterone therapy, such as abiraterone.

READ ALSO

Dr. Dimitris Panagopoulos Leads a Breakthrough in Multi-Matrix Detection

The Future of Pharmacy: How AI Is Changing the Way You Get Your Medications, According to Expert Jay Bhaumik

The study was published on June 9 in the journal Nature Communications and may also provide an explanation for why Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and are more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease than White men of European descent.

“We’ve known for a long time that androgens, or male hormones such as testosterone, fuel prostate tumors — and we have drugs to treat prostate cancer that block the body’s ability to make testosterone,” said senior author Nupam Mahajan, Ph.D., a professor of surgery in the Division of Urologic Surgery. “But after about a year, these drugs stop working, and the androgen levels rise again. Where is this androgen coming from? Turns out, prostate cancer cells have learned a new trick; they start producing more cholesterol, which they divert to generate their own androgen. Our study shows how to block this, revealing a possible drug combination that could stop prostate cancer from fueling its own growth.”

Mahajan, a member of the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, conducted a study on how prostate cancer cells detect a drop in androgen levels. The study discovered that a key protein called SREBF1 acts as an androgen sensor when bound to the androgen receptor. This protein enters the nucleus of the cancer cell when androgen levels are low and recruits an enzyme called GCN5 to modify histone proteins through acetylation. This epigenetic modification activates various genes that are important for producing cholesterol and lipids. As a result, the cells can produce large amounts of cholesterol, which is necessary for testosterone production.

“The cancer cells essentially load up the tumor with cholesterol and use that cholesterol to churn out more testosterone,” Mahajan said. “That’s the trick. They overload the prostate with cholesterol, and the normal systems for making androgen from cholesterol just work as they typically would, making drugs like abiraterone ineffective.”

Mahajan and his team conducted an experiment using two inhibitors to block the molecular events responsible for high cholesterol production. They treated mice with prostate tumors taken from human patients with these inhibitors.

The first drug, afatinib, is an FDA-approved EGFR inhibitor used to treat certain lung cancers. The second drug is a GCN5 inhibitor that has yet to enter clinical trials. However, it is being developed due to its potential effect on gene regulation, cell growth, and inflammation. Mice treated with a combination of both inhibitors showed significant reductions in tumor size compared to mice treated with a placebo or anti-testosterone drug, abiraterone, alone.

The study also revealed that the abundance of cholesterol in aggressive prostate cancer may explain the racial disparities observed in this type of tumor. The research showed that the lipid profile of prostate cancer in African American men is similar to the lipid profile of treatment-resistant prostate cancer discovered in the study. This suggests that African American men with prostate cancer may be more prone to having high levels of cholesterol in their tumors than white men with the same tumor type, although the cause of this disparity remains unclear.

“This is preliminary data, so we need to verify it in larger studies,” Mahajan said. “But our study suggests that this cholesterol profile may play an important role in African American patients with prostate cancer. African American men are at higher risk of prostate cancer, are diagnosed at earlier ages, and now we see that the kinds of cholesterol molecules that are generated in their cancers are similar to what we see in this overactive cholesterol manufacturing pathway. Their cancers are more likely to already be making these lipids, even before beginning anti-testosterone treatment.”

“We are hopeful this study will provide a solid rationale for undertaking a clinical trial of these two inhibitors combined — to block this cholesterol pathway — in patients with treatment-resistant prostate cancer,” Mahajan added.

FP Newsroom

Dr. Dimitris Panagopoulos
Science

Dr. Dimitris Panagopoulos Leads a Breakthrough in Multi-Matrix Detection

August 22, 2025
The Future of Pharmacy: How AI Is Changing the Way You Get Your Medications, According to Expert Jay Bhaumik
Science

The Future of Pharmacy: How AI Is Changing the Way You Get Your Medications, According to Expert Jay Bhaumik

August 8, 2025
Senegal Becomes 56th Signatory of Artemis Accords at NASA HQ
Science

Senegal Becomes 56th Signatory of Artemis Accords at NASA HQ

July 25, 2025
Green Biotech Hellas: Innovating Sustainability in Biotechnology Since 2008
Science

Green Biotech Hellas: Innovating Sustainability in Biotechnology Since 2008

July 23, 2025
New Longevity Fund Unleashes $40 Million to Transform Life Extension Technologies and Redefine Aging
Science

New Longevity Fund Unleashes $40 Million to Transform Life Extension Technologies and Redefine Aging

July 16, 2025
Rema Reynolds Vassar PhD Examines the Science of Leading Well
Science

Rema Reynolds Vassar PhD Examines the Science of Leading Well

July 2, 2025

News in Focus

NexCore Group Breaks Ground on Two Innovative Senior Living Communities in Denver and North Bethesda

The Perfect Pods

The Wakizashi: Debunking the Myth of the Samurai’s “Suicide Blade”

The Unique Charms of Japanese and Burmese Swords: A Journey Through Blades

National Flood Insurance Program Shutdown Disrupts Home Closings; Neptune Flood Steps In

Historic High Seas Treaty Secures 61 Ratifications, Set to Transform Ocean Conservation by 2026

Passing the Torch: How Hebrew Education Shapes Identity and Community

Caring for Your Collection: Jeremy Millul’s Guide to Jewelry Maintenance and Preservation

From Case Sharing to Standard Setting: Leverage Consulting’s Global Contribution

An Exclusive Guide by Arshad Azim on Raising Capital Successfully

Changing the Narrative: A Swedish Clothing Brand Champions Neurodivergent Identity Through Design

How to Help Patients Thrive Beyond the Status Quo With Insights From Dr. Michael Johnson

Shaping Tomorrow: A.C. Roper on Faith, Integrity, and Lasting Leadership

Aclara Resources Secures $5 Million From U.S. DFC for Carina Rare Earths Project

Blue Heron Appoints Eric Lent as Chief Revenue Officer to Drive Expansion Into New U.S. Markets

This Lawyer Stops Blackmailers and Extortionists in Their Tracks

GOVMINT Partners With John Mercanti to Unveil Historic Coin Collection

FOMC Unanimously Approves Updates to Monetary Policy Statement

Turning Pain Into Poetry: Indie Artist Stevie Nicole Finds Light in Life’s Valleys

Dr. Dimitris Panagopoulos Leads a Breakthrough in Multi-Matrix Detection

Cubic Defense Awarded Major Contract by USAF for Advanced Air Combat Training

Preska Thomas, Melanie Perkins, and More Female Founders Redefining the Future of Tech and Entrepreneurship

AELF Partners With euroAtlantic Airways to Lease First Airbus A330-200

Dr. Arthur Benjamin: The Hollywood Visionary Behind Clearer Sight

Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) 2025 Set to Address Key Energy Issues in Singapore

Dennis Tomala: Leading the Next Wave of Finance With Vision, Values, and Innovation

EPA Draft Risk Assessment Under Fire for PFAS in Biosolids

Plastics Treaty Negotiations in Jeopardy Amidst Stalled Progress

2025’s E-Commerce Revolution: AI Decides Who Gets Discounts

The Future of Pharmacy: How AI Is Changing the Way You Get Your Medications, According to Expert Jay Bhaumik

  • Booz Demands His Due – A Gritty Look Inside ‘What About Booz?’

https://hudsonweekly.com/booz-demands-his-due-a-gritty-look-inside-what-about-booz/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #music #newmusic
  • The Architect of AI’s New Language: A Conversation With Boris Kriuk

https://hudsonweekly.com/the-architect-of-ais-new-language-a-conversation-with-boris-kriuk/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #ai #tech
  • Overflow Expands Tap-to-Give Feature With More Flexible NFC Engagement for Churches

https://marketsherald.com/overflow-expands-tap-to-give-feature-with-more-flexible-nfc-engagement-for-churches/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #church #donation
  • Sensi.AI Secures $45 Million Series C Funding to Drive Care Innovation for Seniors

https://lincolncitizen.com/sensi-ai-secures-45-million-series-c-funding-to-drive-care-innovation-for-seniors/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • AMC Health Appoints Alan Petrazzi as Executive VP of Government Division to Drive Telehealth Innovations

https://lincolncitizen.com/amc-health-appoints-alan-petrazzi-as-executive-vp-of-government-division-to-drive-telehealth-innovations/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #telehealth #health
  • CareChoice Wins Outstanding Growth Award for Excellence in Home Care Services

https://belmontstar.com/carechoice-wins-outstanding-growth-award-for-excellence-in-home-care-services/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • BP Defence Launches Bullet-Resistant Backpacks for Enhanced Student Safety

https://belmontstar.com/bp-defence-launches-bullet-resistant-backpacks-for-enhanced-student-safety/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost #backback #bulletproof
  • NexCore Group Breaks Ground on Two Innovative Senior Living Communities in Denver and North Bethesda

https://fairmontpost.com/nexcore-group-breaks-ground-on-two-innovative-senior-living-communities-in-denver-and-north-bethesda/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost

© 2025 Fairmont Post. Published by The Ritz Herald. Editions: Markets Herald • Lincoln Citizen • Madison Graph • Belmont Star • The Hudson Weekly

Address: 1177 6th Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Removals: pr@fairmontpost.com. Phone: (718) 313-5252. Mon-Fri: 9AM-5PM. Privacy Policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Business • Financial
  • Culture • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle • Travel
  • Technology • Science
  • Environment • Conservation
  • FinTech • Blockchain NFT

© 2025 Fairmont Post