Email a Friend
Print ArticleProstate Cancer Health Center
Designer T Cells Fight Prostate Cancer
April 20, 2009 (Denver) -- Using gene therapy, researchers have re-educated patients' own immune systems to attack prostate tumors in the body.
In the first two patients treated, the experimental treatment reduced PSA levels by 50% to 75%.
PSA levels are a measure of a protein called prostate-specific antigen produced by cells in the prostate. High PSA levels can signal cancer; a reduction in PSA of 50% or more after treatment is a sign that the patient is responding to the treatment.
Both patients had advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. The findings were reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
How Designer T Cells Work
In the treatment, gene therapy is used to modify immune-system cells called T cells in such a way as to attack the cancer, says Richard Junghans, MD, associate professor of surgery and medicine at Boston University.
Normally, prostate cancer cells fly under the radar of the immune system, evading the body's surveillance mechanisms. The designer T cells target and attach to a specific protein that is present on many tumor cells.
"We fool the T cells" into thinking the cancer is a foreign invader that needs to be attacked and annihilated, he says. "T cells are the perfect killing machine."
As an extra boost, patients are also given chemotherapy.
To date, neither patient has developed any significant side effects.
Early Results 'Encouraging'
With higher doses of the designer T cells -- which the researchers plan to test soon -- Junghans says he hopes to be able to cure men with metastatic prostate cancer.
"I expect this, or some version of this, to become standard treatment within five years," he says.
Louis Weiner, MD, director of Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C, says the approach marries two concepts that have been around for about 20 years.
"What [the researchers] have done is to really combine two critical elements" -- redirecting the T cells to attack a cancer and creating more space for them using chemotherapy, he tells WebMD.
While much more study is needed, "the early results are encouraging," Weiner says.
del.icio.us
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
