Prevention of Prostate Cancer

The ultimate goal of the Prostate Cancer Program is to prevent prostate cancer. We have devoted a considerable effort to identify compounds that can either prevent the development of cancer cells or kill cancer cells at the initial stage of development. It is hoped that these studies will lead to means of preventing prostate cancer from development and drugs that may be used by patients who have a high risk of developing prostate cancer.

Heyu Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.; and Charles Young, Ph.D.; showed that gum mastic inhibits the expression and function of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. Because gum mastic exhibited a strong in vitro potency to attenuate the expression and function of the androgen receptor, further investigation is planned to determine whether this naturally occurring substance has in vivo potency to inhibit prostate cancer development.

Dr. Young also found that perillyl alcohol (POH) inhibits the expression and function of the androgen receptor in human prostate cancer cells. These novel properties of POH strongly suggest that POH could be highly useful for intervention of prostate cancer.