Angiogenesis Regulates Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Life Sciences & Biotechnology Update, Feb, 2001

The progression of primary and metastatic prostate cancer depends upon the establishment of an adequate blood supply. The purpose of this (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) ongoing research is to evaluate the relevance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. The research is evaluating the relationship of the expression of the angiogenesis factors bFGF, VEGF, and IL-8, with prostate cancer growth and metastasis, using the orthotopic model of metastatic prostate cancer in nude mice.

Using sense and antisense technology, the research has enforced the expression of IL-8 by prostate cancer cells prior to their implantation into the prostate of nude mice, and has evaluated the causality between the expression of this angiogenic factor by human prostate cancer growing in nude mice, tumorigenesis, tumor induced angiogenesis, and metastasis. Similar studies with bFGF and VEGF are in progress. Once the relationship between angiogenesis factor expression and tumor virulence is established, the research will target the expression of these factors by human prostate cancer established in nude mice with antisense gene therapy. To complement these studies, evaluation is underway on the expression of VEGF, IL-8, and BFGF, by human prostate cancer, to determine their relationship to progression in patients. Increasing VEGF mRNA levels are highly associated with advancing pathologic stage.

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