Regulation of growth factors in hormone- and drug-resistant prostate cancer cells by synergistic combination of docetaxel and octreotide

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of combined treatment with docetaxel and octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, on human hormone- and drug-refractory prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and DU-145, and on some growth factors related to tumour growth and angiogenesis in prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cell proliferation assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the drugs. To verify apoptosis, both DNA fragmentation (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and caspase 3/7 activity were measured. We also investigated the effect of combined docetaxel and octreotide on growth factors secreted from prostate cancer cells using a human growth factor antibody array.

RESULTS: The combination of docetaxel and octreotide resulted in significant synergistic cytotoxic activity and apoptosis, which was dose- and time-dependent. The combined treatment also resulted in significantly less secretion of stem cell factor and platelet-derived growth factor-AB in PC-3 cells, and transforming growth factor-beta and basic fibroblast growth factor in DU-145 cells, than in untreated controls.

CONCLUSION: Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, combined with docetaxel might provide a rationale treatment option for hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells, not only by direct inhibition of cell proliferation but also by inhibiting the secretion of growth factors.

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See also:

- Somatostatin in oncology, the overlooked evidences;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Somatostatin, Octreotide, LAR analogues and/or derivatives);

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Cyclophosphamide and/or Hydroxyurea tablets, one or two per day);

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) in the treatment of prostate cancer: a preliminary retrospective study of 16 patients and a review of the literature.