Researchers Discover Unusual Effect of Antidepressants
Blocking a specific enzyme can halt the spread of metastases.
An antidepressant may combat the spread of metastases in prostate cancer, American researchers have found. Scientists around the world are constantly working on new ways to treat oncological diseases. An unexpected discovery has suggested that fighting metastases in prostate cancer may be aided by… the use of antidepressants. A detailed publication on this was released by the journal Cancer Cell.
It’s All About the Enzyme
In prostate cancer, metastases typically affect bone tissue. The enzyme known as MAO-A facilitates the penetration of cancer cells into bone tissue. It is also responsible for a range of behavioral disorders, including depressive states. Thus, the action of many medications that correct manifestations of depression is aimed at reducing the production of MAO-A. Researchers focused on prostate cancer are particularly interested in this distinctive feature of antidepressants and decided to test their effectiveness in combating the spread of cancer to bone tissues.
Co-author of the study Jason Wu explains: “During the experiments, we reduced the production of the enzyme MAO-A by the body, and it turned out that its deficiency hinders the spread of cancer in bone tissues. When we provoked its increase, metastases in the bones began to develop more rapidly.”
To continue the research, scientists tested a range of antidepressants that suppress MAO-A production and chose a medication that was once actively prescribed for depression – “Clorgyline.” This drug acts as an inhibitor, meaning it slows down the production of the enzyme MAO-A, thereby reducing the ability of cancer cells to penetrate bone tissues.
Currently, the research is in the stage of experiments on mice. Jason Wu asserts that there is significant work ahead to determine the exact composition, dosage, and method of administering the enzyme inhibitor. Only after this will scientists begin clinical trials aimed at assessing the drug's effectiveness in humans. But even now, says Jason Wu, it is possible to speak of the potential of using this “old” antidepressant in the treatment of late-stage prostate cancer with bone involvement.
In addition to “Clorgyline,” there are other antidepressants used in clinical practice that act similarly, that is, they suppress the production of the enzyme MAO-A. Analogues of “Clorgyline” are also being thoroughly studied.
This discovery has allowed scientists to discuss the broad possibilities in the search for anticancer drugs among existing medications.