BUFFALO, NY - June 4, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on May 20, 2025, titled “Targeting PCNA/AR interaction inhibits AR-mediated signaling in castration resistant prostate cancer cells."

In this study, authors Shan Lu and Zhongyun Dong from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine investigated how interfering with a protein interaction could reduce prostate cancer growth. Their study based on prostate cancer cells shows that blocking the link between PCNA, a protein important for DNA repair, and the androgen receptor (AR), which drives prostate cancer growth, can slow down cancer cell multiplication. This discovery could lead to a new treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those no longer responding to hormone therapy.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Many patients eventually become resistant to hormone treatment. In this advanced stage, called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), tumors continue to grow by using either the full-length androgen receptor (AR-FL) or altered versions called AR variants (AR-Vs). This study shows that the interaction between AR and PCNA helps both AR-FL and AR-Vs remain active, supporting cancer cell survival and growth.

The researchers identified a new region in the AR that binds to PCNA. They developed a small peptide, R9-AR-PIP, to mimic this region and block the AR-PCNA connection. They found that this peptide reduced AR’s ability to bind DNA and lowered the levels of key genes involved in cancer cell growth. Importantly, the peptide was effective against both types of AR, including the variant forms that are especially challenging in CRPC.

“We identified a second PIP-box (PIP-box592) in the DNA binding domain of AR and found that dihydrotestosterone enhances the binding of full-length AR (AR-FL) but not a constitutively active variant (AR-V7) to PCNA.”

They also tested a small molecule, PCNA-I1S, which interferes with PCNA’s ability to move to the cell nucleus and interact with AR. This molecule showed similar effects as the peptide, reducing AR activity and stopping cancer cell growth. Together, these findings suggest that targeting PCNA/AR interactions could be a promising strategy to fight CRPC, especially in patients with limited treatment options.

One key result was that both the peptide and the small molecule reduced the levels of cyclin A2, a protein that helps cells divide and is often overexpressed in CRPC. Since this protein is linked to patients' poor outcomes, its reduction could be especially beneficial.

This study improves our understanding of how prostate cancer continues to grow even after hormone treatments fail. By blocking a crucial helper of the androgen receptor, researchers have uncovered a new way to potentially slow or stop the disease. Further studies in animal models are needed, but this approach could lead to more effective treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28722

Correspondence to - Zhongyun Dong - dongzu@ucmail.uc.edu

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Keywords - cancer, PCNA, androgen receptor, PCNA inhibitors, AR splicing variants, CRPC

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Oncotarget

Targeting PCNA-Androgen Receptor Interaction Suppresses Prostate Cancer Cell Growth

BUFFALO, NY – July 14, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on June 25, 2025, titled “Hypoxia induced lipid droplet accumulation promotes resistance to ferroptosis in prostate cancer.”

In this study, researchers led by Shailender S. Chauhan and Noel A. Warfel from the University of Arizona discovered that prostate cancer cells survive treatment by storing fats in tiny cellular compartments when oxygen levels are low. This process makes the cancer cells less vulnerable to a type of cell death known as ferroptosis. The findings provide new insight into why prostate tumors often resist therapies and suggest potential strategies to improve treatment outcomes.

This study focused on ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that relies on iron and lipid oxidation to destroy cancer cells. Researchers tested prostate cancer cells under normal and low oxygen conditions and found that hypoxia, or reduced oxygen levels, allowed cancer cells to build up lipid droplets (LD). These structures act as storage units for fats, shielding cancer cells from oxidative damage and preventing ferroptosis from occurring.

The researchers found that this adaptation of prostate cancer cells made them less sensitive to ferroptosis-inducing drugs like Erastin and RSL3, even when these drugs were combined for a stronger effect. The team also reported that hypoxia caused significant changes in lipid metabolism, decreasing the availability of specific fatty acids that normally promote ferroptosis. 

“Transcriptomic analysis revealed that hypoxia significantly reduced the expression of genes related to incorporating polyunsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids (ACSL4, LPCAT3), and parallel lipidomic analysis demonstrated that hypoxia significantly decreased the levels of the ferroptosis-prone lipid class, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and increased production of neutral lipid species, cholesteryl ester (ChE (22:5)) and triglycerides (TG(48:1), TG:(50:4), and TG(58:4)).”

This research highlights the importance of the tumor microenvironment, particularly oxygen levels, in shaping how cancer cells respond to therapy. By altering their metabolism and storing lipids, prostate tumors may evade treatments designed to trigger ferroptosis. These findings underscore the need to develop new strategies targeting LD dynamics or lipid metabolism to overcome this resistance.

Understanding how prostate cancer (Pca) adapts to survive in hypoxic conditions offers a potential avenue for improving therapies. For example, preventing lipid accumulation in cancer cells or releasing stored fats may restore their sensitivity to ferroptosis and improve the effectiveness of current therapies. This approach could have broader implications for treating other solid tumors that share similar metabolic features.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28750

Correspondence to - Noel A. Warfel - warfelna@arizona.edu, and Shailender S. Chauhan - shailenderc@arizona.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFypDT4ALmc

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Keywords - cancer, hypoxia, lipid droplets, ferroptosis, resistance, prostate

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Prostate Cancer Cells Survive Treatment by Storing Fat in Low Oxygen Conditions

BUFFALO, NY - July 29, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 25, 2025, titled “Comprehensive genomic profiling of over 10,000 advanced solid tumors.”

In this study, led by Jean-Paul De La O from Exact Sciences Corporation, researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 solid tumor samples from patients with advanced cancer and found that more than 90 percent contained genetic changes that could guide treatment. This work demonstrates the growing impact of large-scale tumor DNA and RNA testing on patient care.

The researchers retrospectively analyzed OncoExTra assay information for 31 types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancers. Their analysis revealed that nearly a third of patients had alterations associated with approved drugs for their specific cancer, while another third had changes linked to therapies approved for other cancers. These results show that detailed genetic profiling could expand treatment choices.

“Biomarkers associated with on- or off-label FDA-approved therapies were detected in 29.2% and 28.0% of samples, respectively.”

Another relevant discovery was that many important mutations occurred at very low levels, which are often missed by simpler tests. By using a broad and highly sensitive approach, the scientists were able to identify these rare mutations. They also reported that 7.5 percent of samples carried gene fusions, unusual genetic events that can drive cancer growth. Such findings can be critical in selecting therapies that specifically target these abnormalities.

The study also highlighted the value of RNA sequencing in detecting fusion events that traditional DNA tests might miss. Prostate cancer and certain sarcomas showed particularly high rates of these fusion alterations. This type of information can refine cancer diagnosis and improve therapy planning.

In addition, the researchers identified changes in several major cancer-related pathways, including those that control cell growth, DNA repair, and immune system response. Alterations in these pathways can point to newer treatment options, such as immunotherapy or drugs designed to block specific cell signals.

Overall, this study shows that comprehensive genomic profiling can guide more personalized cancer care by identifying mutations, gene fusions, and other molecular patterns. Advanced testing methods like the OncoExTra assay reveal treatment opportunities even in advanced cancers, ensuring that subtle but important genetic changes are detected.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28757

Correspondence to - Jean-Paul De La O - jdelao@exactsciences.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awiRhDfiMTE

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Keywords - cancer, solid tumors, comprehensive genomic profiling, matched therapy, gene fusions, limit of detection

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Comprehensive Genomic Testing Reveals Treatment Targets in 90% of Advanced Solid Tumors

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related death. While early forms of the disease can usually be treated successfully, advanced cases remain a major challenge. Scientists have now discovered a new potential way to slow the growth of advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer. These results were recently published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget by researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer can often be treated successfully. Most treatments work by lowering testosterone levels or blocking the hormone from activating the androgen receptor (AR), which drives cancer growth.

In some patients, however, the disease progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Even with drastic reductions in testosterone levels, the tumors continue to grow at this stage. CRPC is much more difficult to treat, and current therapies such as hormone blockers or chemotherapy typically extend life by only a few months.

One reason for this resistance is that cancer cells often switch to a different form of the androgen receptor called AR-V7. This variant remains permanently active, even without testosterone, making hormone-based drugs less effective. Because of this, new treatment strategies that work independently of hormone levels are needed.

The Study: Targeting a New Weakness in Prostate Cancer Cells

In the study titled “Targeting PCNA/AR interaction inhibits AR-mediated signaling in castration resistant prostate cancer cells,” researchers Shan Lu and Zhongyun Dong from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine investigated a new way to block CRPC growth.

Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/07/29/a-new-way-to-target-resistant-prostate-cancer-cells/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28722

Correspondence to - Zhongyun Dong - dongzu@ucmail.uc.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJWZ_fKxgs

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Keywords - cancer, PCNA, androgen receptor, PCNA inhibitors, AR splicing variants, CRPC

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A New Way to Target Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

BUFFALO, NY – August 11, 2025 – A new #researchpaper was #published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 25, 2025, titled “Dissecting the functional differences and clinical features of R-spondin family members in metastatic prostate cancer.”

In this study, researchers led by first author Aiden Deacon and corresponding author Justin Hwang from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities investigated a group of genes known as the R-spondin family (RSPO1/2/3/4) in advanced prostate cancer (PC). The RSPO gene family regulates Wnt signaling, a pathway involved in cancer progression.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and becomes especially dangerous when it spreads beyond the prostate. Most patients are treated with hormone therapies that target the androgen receptor; however, many tumors eventually become resistant.

The research team analyzed thousands of tumor samples and found that RSPO2 alterations were more common than changes in other R-spondin genes or even some well-known cancer-related genes like CTNNB1 and APC. RSPO2 amplification occurred in over 20% of metastatic prostate cancer. Patients with these alterations showed signs of more aggressive disease, including higher mutation rates and greater tumor complexity.

Using laboratory models, the team discovered that RSPO2 increases cancer cell growth and triggers a biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is known to promote tumor spread and resistance to standard treatments. Unlike other genes in the same pathway, RSPO2 also appeared to reduce the activity of androgen receptor genes, suggesting it drives a type of prostate cancer that no longer relies on hormones for growth.

“In cell lines, RSPO2 overexpression caused up-regulation of EMT pathways, including EMT-regulatory transcription factors ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST1.”

Importantly, RSPO2 showed structural differences from other R-spondin proteins, which may allow researchers to design drugs that specifically block its activity. Current therapies targeting the Wnt pathway are limited, and there are no approved drugs that inhibit RSPO2. However, this study highlights RSPO2 as a promising therapeutic target, especially for patients who do not respond to existing hormone-based treatments.

This research adds critical knowledge about how aggressive prostate cancers develop and persist despite therapy. The identification of RSPO2 as a key driver of disease progression opens new possibilities for treatment strategies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28758

Correspondence to - Justin Hwang - jhwang@umn.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyu5D_c1dbY

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Keywords - cancer, RSPO2, prostate cancer, Wnt signaling, genomics, therapeutics

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New Gene Linked to Aggressive, Treatment-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Aiden Deacon from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, discusses a research paper he co-authored that was published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget, titled “Dissecting the functional differences and clinical features of R-spondin family members in metastatic prostate cancer.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28758

Correspondence to - Justin Hwang - jhwang@umn.edu

Video interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKhWWU1gnY

Abstract

This study investigates the R-spondin family of genes (RSPO1/2/3/4), a group of secreted proteins that act as Wnt regulators, and their subsequent role in advanced prostate cancer (PC). When evaluating transcriptomic data from primary and metastatic PC patients, we found that alterations in RSPO2 were more prevalent than in other RSPO family members or Wnt-regulating genes APC and CTNNB1. Further, we found that RSPO2 alterations in PCs were significantly associated with worse disease-free survival. Through our in silico modeling, RSPO2 exhibited strong positive associations with genes regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and double-negative prostate cancer (DNPC), but had negative correlations with androgen receptor (AR) and AR-associated genes. Furthermore, 3D modeling of RSPO2 revealed structural differences between itself and other RSPOs. In cell lines, RSPO2 overexpression caused up-regulation of EMT pathways, including EMT-regulatory transcription factors ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST1. Conversely, this was not observed when CTNNB1 was overexpressed in the same models. These findings highlight that, in PC, RSPO2 functions as a unique member of the R-spondin family by promoting genes and signaling pathways associated with aggressive PC, and RSPO2 amplifications are associated with poor outcomes in PC patients.

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Keywords - cancer, RSPO2, prostate cancer, Wnt signaling, genomics, therapeutics

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Oncotarget author interview: Aiden Deacon

Behind the Study: R-spondin Family Roles in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Dr. Gregory McMahon is a urologist is apart of the MidLantic Urology Medical Team. Dr. McMahon specializes in treating cancers of the genitourinary tract and is skilled in ablative technologies for prostate cancer. LaMont Walker is a prostate cancer survivor and passionate advocate for Black men over 40. LaMont was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2022. LaMont met with Dr. Gregory McMahon to talk about his treatment options. He chose a prostatectomy, which involves removing part or all of the prostate gland. Fifteen months after surgery, LaMont feels he has been given a second chance.

They both join the show to talk about the importance of men, especially Black men, getting screened for prostate cancer. 


Dr. Gregory McMahon & LaMont Walker | The Midday Break Room w/ Roxi Fab - 8.26.25

In this Annals of Oncology podcast, Editor-in-Chief Tom Powles discusses the phase III KEYNOTE-641 study with Dr Julie Graff of the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.The study evaluated pembrolizumab plus enzalutamide for chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
To read the full report of the study see   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2025.05.007

Pembrolizumab plus enzalutamide vs.placebo plus enzalutamide for chemotherapy-naive mCRPC

Men's health issues - including prostate concerns, testosterone levels, sexual health and more - are discussed by Prairie Doc Andrew Ellsworth.

PDR 2025-09-08 Men's Health - Dr. Andrew Ellsworth

The EORTC 1333 ‘PEACE-3’ study investigated the combination of enzalutamide and 6 monthly injections of radium-223 (Ra223) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastases.  In this Article of the Month podcast, Tom Powles, Annals of Oncology's Editor-in-Chief, discusses the results of the EORTC 1333 ‘PEACE-3’ study with Professor Bertrand Tombal of Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Brussels, Belgium.  To read the full report on EORTC 1333 ‘PEACE-3’ see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2025.05.011 

Enzalutamide plus radium-223 in mCRPC: results of the EORTC 1333/PEACE-3 trial

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

WURD Radio is the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, and one of few in the country. Taking a multimedia approach – on-air, online and in the community – WURD is widely recognized as the pulse of the African-American community locally, regionally, and nationally. From mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite, WURD has tackled the hard issues as an influential, respected and powerful voice in the marketplace.

ESMO podcasts offer educational and scientific insights for oncology professionals, covering the latest research, clinical trials, and discussions in cancer care. Topics include highlights from Annals of Oncology and ESMO Open, case-based discussions, expert debates, and content by and for Young Oncologists. Available on Spotify and SoundCloud, these podcasts support continuous learning and multi-professional collaboration in oncology.

New tracks tagged #ProstateCancer