Prostate Cell News Volume 3.09 | Mar 9 2012

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Sorafenib Decreases Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer Cells by Inhibition of the Androgen Receptor and Akt Signaling Pathways
In the present study, researchers report on the use of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines and their derivatives which mimic endocrine and chemotherapy resistance. [Endocr Relat Cancer] Abstract

Pathogenesis of Prostatic Small Cell Carcinoma Involves the Inactivation of the p53 Pathway
In this study, researchers provide evidence that IL-8-CXCR2-P53 signaling pathway keeps the neuroendocrine cells of benign prostate and adenocarcinoma in a quiescent state normally. [Endocr Relat Cancer] Abstract

Diltiazem Enhances the Apoptotic Effects of Proteasome Inhibitors to Induce Prostate Cancer Cell Death
The goal of this research was to determine whether diltiazem is capable of inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, either alone or in combination with the proteasome inhibitors, lactacystin or Velcade. [J Pharmacol Exp Ther] Abstract

Human Prostate Cancer Initiating Cells Isolated Directly from Localized Cancer Do Not Form Prostaspheres in Primary Culture
In the present studies, researchers confirmed that in serum free, high Ca²⁺ growth factor defined media plus androgen, a large series of established human prostate cancer cell lines derived from both localized and metastatic sites characteristically self-associate in suspension and grow as unattached spheroids, termed prostaspheres which contain cancer initiating cells based upon their self-renewal in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. [Prostate] Abstract

Suppressor Role of Androgen Receptor in Proliferation of Prostate Basal Epithelial and Progenitor Cells
Using three different resources, researchers demonstrated that the androgen receptor in basal epithelial cells of normal prostate plays suppressive role in their proliferation, but a positive role in differentiation into luminal epithelial cells. [J Endocrinol] Abstract

Rapamycin Enhances Docetaxel-Induced Cytotoxicity in a Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Xenograft Model by Survivin Downregulation
Researchers assessed the cytotoxic effects of the combination treatment of docetaxel and rapamycin in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, they examined the relationship between these treatments and survivin. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Whole Blood Stem Cell Re-Infusion and Escalated Dose Melphalan in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Phase I Study
Researchers performed a phase I dose escalation study of the alkylating agent melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation, comparing rapid changes in circulating tumor cells and PSA as a measure of response. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Long-Term Follow-Up of Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Vaccine and Definitive Radiation Therapy
Researchers present long-term follow-up data on the secondary and exploratory endpoints of safety and biochemical failure, respectively, from patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated definitively with a poxviral vector-based therapeutic vaccine combined with external beam radiation therapy. [Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis] Abstract

Exelixis Announces Initiation of Investigator-Sponsored Clinical Trial Combining Cabozantinib and Abiraterone in Men with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Exelixis Inc. announced the initiation of a phase I dose-finding trial of cabozantinib in combination with abiraterone in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have disease progression following treatment with up to two prior chemotherapy regimens. [Exelixis Inc.] Press Release

Bellicum Closes $20 Million Series B Financing
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has raised $20 million in a Series B financing. The funding will be used to advance its lead CaspaCIDe™ and DeCIDe™ programs through Phase II clinical development. [Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Aragon Pharmaceuticals Secures $42 Million in Series C Financing to Advance Pipeline of Therapies Targeting Hormone-Driven Cancers
Aragon Pharmaceuticals announced that the company has secured $42 million in an oversubscribed Series C financing to advance Aragon’s pipeline of therapies targeting hormone-driven cancers, including ARN-509, the company’s lead compound for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. [Aragon Pharmaceuticals] Press Release

NEW 13th Australasian Prostate Cancer Conference 2012
July 31-August 3, 2012
Melbourne, Australia

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the prostate cell community.

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

PhD Position – Cell Biology/Infection Research (University of Münster)

Clinical Research Associate (Jennerex Biotherapeutics, Inc.)

Research Associate – Development (Precision Therapeutics, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center) 

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