Prostate cancer (PCa) is very unique because of its life-style-related occurrence and androgen-dependent growth. We have been engaged in basic and clinical research on these unique characteristics.
Incidence rate of PCa now became highest in Japan probably due to life style changes including food. To investigate the mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis is very important for prevention of PCa. Using rat model, we have clarified that inflammation with macrophage and/or mast cell infiltration is important for the initiation of prostate carcinogenesis. Innate immune cells play important roles not only in cancer initiation but also progression. High-fat diet promotes this step through immune cell infiltration via activation of IL6 pathway. In prostate cancer with obesity, IL6 signaling pathway is more activated than in the prostate without obesity.
Because the growth of PCa is androgen-dependent, androgen deprivation is a powerful treatment for advanced PCa. However, PCa becomes insensitive against androgen deprivation sooner or later. These PCa is designated as castration resistant PCa (CRPC). In this lecture, I would like to introduce our challenge to CRPC including the treatment using Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan Envelope (HVJ-E).
At the end, I would also like to present some of our activities of Industry-University Cooperation in terms of PCa diagnosis.