A new study reveals that a drug called CDKI-73 may offer an effective treatment for aggressive, drug-resistant prostate cancer, providing hope to men affected by the disease.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
In 2024, an estimated 299,010 new cases will be diagnosed, and more than 35,000 men are expected to die from the disease, which often becomes resistant to standard hormone treatments.
Researchers from Flinders University and the University of South Australia investigated the novel drug CDKI-73 and its potential to combat these difficult-to-treat forms of prostate cancer.
The study’s findings, published in the British Journal of Cancer, revealed that CDKI-73 may effectively block the growth of prostate cancer cells, including aggressive types that do not respond to conventional treatments.
The key to the drug’s success appears to be its ability to target cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a protein that is crucial for the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells.
Professor Luke Selth of Flinders University stated, “Our research demonstrates that CDKI-73 potently blocks the growth of prostate cancer, even aggressive subtypes of the disease that are resistant to current treatments.”
One of the promising aspects of this new drug is its ability to target cancer cells specifically without harming normal cells. Additionally, CDKI-73 is available as an oral tablet, making it potentially easier for patients to use.
While the results are promising, Selth noted that more work is needed before the drug can be made available to patients.
“We still need to do a lot more work to fully understand the potential of CDK9 inhibitors and to deliver a new treatment for patients,” he said.
Professor Shudong Wang, who developed CDKI-73, expressed optimism about the future of this drug, calling it a “promising candidate” for treating prostate cancer and other solid tumors.
The researchers are planning further clinical trials to assess the drug’s safety and effectiveness before it can be approved for widespread use.
Currently, CDKI-73 is in phase 2 clinical trials for treating relapsed and therapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML), another form of cancer.
The study’s findings mark an important step in the journey toward future clinical trials for prostate cancer patients.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, weighed in on the drug’s potential, noting that CDK9 is an enzyme associated with prostate cancer growth.
“The drug has not been used yet in human subjects and clinical trials may be the next step,” he said. “It shows promise in treating advanced or aggressive prostate cancer.”
The study also serves as a reminder for men, especially those over the age of 50, to get regular screenings for prostate cancer.
Men over 40 with a family history of the disease are also encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about early detection measures.
As researchers continue their work, this novel approach to treating prostate cancer offers a glimmer of hope for men facing the aggressive and often deadly disease.