Targeting hyperinsulinaemia in castrate resistant prostate cancer
Approximately 25% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer fail primary therapy and commence androgen deprivation therapy. This induces the ‘metabolic syndrome’ and high serum insulin levels, in turn associated with poor prognosis. This project investigates the biological effects of two drugs, clinically used to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin and thiazolidinediones, on pathways activated by insulin in androgen-deprived prostate cancer cells. These findings will provide rationale to target insulin pathways in advanced prostate cancer.
Two major pathways were nominated for investigation in this project:
- lipogenesis and steroid biosynthesis;
- EMT and cytotoxic resistance.
Investigators
Jennifer Gunter | APCRC-Q, IHBI, QUT, TRI |
Associate Investigators
Colleen Nelson | APCRC-Q, IHBI, QUT, TRI |
Brett Hollier | APCRC-Q, IHBI, QUT, TRI |
Michael Pollak | McGill University, Canada |
Ladan Fazli | Vancouver Prostate Centre |
Duration
2013 - 2015
Funding
Cure Cancer Australia Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia | $351 108 |