Docetaxel/zoledronic acid combination triggers apoptosis synergistically through downregulating antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein level in hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells

Cell Biol Int. 2009 Feb;33(2):239-46. doi: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2008.11.011. Epub 2008 Dec 11.

Abstract

Docetaxel, a semi-synthetic taxane analogue, is used effectively in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Zoledronic acid, the most potent member of bisphosphonates, has shown pleiotropic anti-tumoral effects on prostate cancer cells. We have explored the possible additive/synergistic effects and the apoptotic pathways induced by combination treatment of docetaxel and zoledronic acid in hormone and drug refractory, PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Combination of docetaxel and zoledronic acid synergistically inhibits cell growth in PC-3 and DU-145 cells. Moreover, this effect was due to downregulation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in PC-3 and DU-145 cells. In conclusion, docetaxel/zoledronic acid combination is potentially a novel and effective approach for the treatment of prostate cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / physiology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis*
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Caspase 7 / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology*
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Docetaxel
  • Down-Regulation
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*
  • Taxoids / pharmacology*
  • Taxoids / therapeutic use
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Taxoids
  • Docetaxel
  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Caspase 3
  • Caspase 7