The University of Eastern Finland conducted a study on the impact of inflammation-promoting immune cells on the progression of prostate cancer. The research focused on the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in the tumour microenvironment, with a particular emphasis on how these immune cells can affect cancer cells’ resistance to treatments. The study found that pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages can transform cancer cells into stem-like cells, making them resistant to traditional therapies. This insight may pave the way for new treatment strategies for prostate cancer.
The researchers discovered that pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages secrete factors that increase the expression of stem cell markers in prostate cancer cells, such as NANOG, KLF4, SOX2, and CD44. This mechanism promotes the transformation of cancer cells into a stem cell-like state, making them less responsive to traditional treatments. Understanding how the immune response affects the progression of prostate cancer and the development of treatment resistance is crucial for identifying new therapeutic approaches that target these mechanisms.
The study’s findings shed light on the complex interplay between immune cells and cancer cells in the tumour microenvironment. By elucidating how inflammation-promoting immune cells can influence the stem cell traits of cancer cells, the research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying treatment resistance in prostate cancer. This knowledge may ultimately lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
The research was led by Senior University Lecturer Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen and Research Director Kirsi Ketola at the University of Eastern Finland’s Institute of Biomedicine. The study received support from various funding sources, including the Academy of Finland, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, the Cancer Foundation Finland, and several other organizations. The collaborative effort of these researchers and funding organizations underscores the importance of advancing scientific knowledge in the field of prostate cancer research and developing innovative treatment strategies that can address the challenges posed by treatment resistance.
In conclusion, the study highlights the critical role of inflammation-promoting immune cells, specifically M1 macrophages, in driving the transformation of prostate cancer cells into a stem cell-like state. This transformation makes cancer cells resistant to traditional therapies, underscoring the importance of understanding the immune response in the tumour microenvironment for effective treatment strategies. By uncovering the mechanisms that underlie treatment resistance, researchers can potentially develop targeted therapies that can overcome these challenges and improve patient outcomes in prostate cancer. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cancer biology and immune responses and may pave the way for the development of more effective treatments for prostate cancer.