Why we funded it
If this project successfully demonstrates that vitamin D is
effective for lowering levels tumour androgens (hormones), this may
represent an attractive viable treatment option to be used in
combination with current hormone therapy. Treatment options are
limited for advanced, hormone-resistant cancer and the use of
something as simple as Vitamin D to improve the outcomes of current
therapies would be of great value to help men with prostate cancer
live longer.
Scientific title
A novel chemoprotective role for vitamin D in prostate
cancer.
Research project summary
There is some scientific evidence that vitamin D may have a role
in preventing prostate cancer from developing (primary prevention)
or in stopping prostate tumours progressing (secondary
prevention). For this reason, Dr Thompson's research team is
studying the role of vitamin D in reducing the levels of
testosterone hormones, key drivers of prostate cancer growth.
This project will look at whether vitamin D can help prevent
prostate cancer progressing to a hormone-resistant state by
stopping tumours producing their own sources of testosterone when
they are challenged by testosterone-reducing treatments. The
team will do this using a range of technologies; studies of
prostate cancer cells cultured in the laboratory, mouse models of
prostate cancer, and tissue samples donated by men with prostate
cancer who are taking vitamin D supplements. If these tests
suggest vitamin D supplementation is effective at lowering tumour
testosterone levels this would be expected to lead to clinical
trials combining vitamin D supplements with hormone therapy.
Delaying or preventing the onset of hormone-resistant disease would
be an important step forward in improving survival for men with
advanced prostate cancer.