Canagliflozin to improve enzalutamide response and suppress resistance in hormone-sensitive and castrate resistant prostate cancer (PrCa).

In this study, researchers aim to investigate whether canagliflozin, an anti-diabetic agent, can enhance the effectiveness of enzalutamide in preclinical models of prostate cancer (PrCa). Prostate cancer often becomes resistant to current therapies, such as enzalutamide, due to various molecular pathways. Canagliflozin has shown promise in suppressing these pathways in prostate cancer cells and tumors, potentially inhibiting their growth and survival. Preliminary experiments suggest that canagliflozin could improve enzalutamide’s ability to suppress cancer cell proliferation and survival in both early and advanced stages of prostate cancer.
The study will test canagliflozin and enzalutamide combinations in vitro and in vivo using prostate cancer models. Researchers will assess if this combination therapy can effectively control prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and androgen receptor (AR) expression, crucial biomarkers in prostate cancer progression. Additionally, they aim to determine whether canagliflozin can prevent the development of resistance to enzalutamide.
Methods will include cell culture experiments, tumor growth studies, and molecular analyses to understand the mechanisms behind the drugs’ effects. Successful outcomes from this research could prompt clinical trials to explore this combination therapy further, potentially offering new treatment options for prostate cancer patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Theodoros Tsakiridis

Student:

Partner:

Astellas Pharma Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McMaster University

Program: