Development of new radiosensitizer for prostate cancer

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16836
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Nihon University
• Principal Investigator: SAKAGUCHI Masakuni 日本大学, 医学部, 准教授 (70599349)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 前立腺癌 / ポリアミド / Ku80 / 腫瘍免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study was conducted to create a new radiosensitizer that improves the outcome of prostate cancer treatment. Although we tried to create PI polyamides targeting Ku80, which has been associated with radiation resistance, they were quite difficult to synthesize. Polyamide combined with an anticancer drug was administered to the tumor cells, after which irradiation was performed; however, no significant effects were observed. To determine the additional therapeutic effects of polyamide on prostate cancer, research on a radiosensitizer with a reconfigured target gene would be necessary.
Lymphocytes are deeply involved in tumor immunity. Our results of unintentional splenic radiation suggested that spreading a low dose area affected lymphopenia in the body.

Free Research Field

放射線腫瘍学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

前立腺癌の抑制に関与するKu80を標的とするポリアミドの作製は困難であった。抗癌剤結合ポリアミドによる腫瘍抑制は有意な結果が得られず、放射線抵抗性に関与する標的遺伝子を再設定し、放射線増感作用を有するポリアミドを作製することが前立腺癌の治療成績向上に寄与すると推測される。また、放射線増感作用を有する新規ポリアミドを作製する研究過程では放射線照射が必須となるが、人体においては低線量の広がりがリンパ球数減少に影響していることが示されたことから、放射線照射が腫瘍免疫に与える影響を考慮した検討を行うことが、日常臨床で使用できるポリアミド開発には重要であることが示唆された。