Inhibitory Effects of Megakaryocytic Cells in Prostate Cancer Skeletal Metastasis
2011

Megakaryocytes Inhibit Prostate Cancer Growth in Bone

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Li Xin, Koh Amy J, Wang Zhengyan, Soki Fabiana N, Park Serk In, Pienta Kenneth J, McCauley Laurie K

Primary Institution: University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Hypothesis

Megakaryocytes inhibit prostate cancer cell growth in bone through direct inhibition of cancer cells and indirectly by their influence in the bone microenvironment.

Conclusion

Megakaryocytes have a potent inhibitory effect on prostate carcinoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.

Supporting Evidence

  • K562 and primary megakaryocytes significantly inhibited prostate carcinoma cell growth in coculture.
  • The inhibitory effect was specific to prostate carcinoma cells and enhanced by direct cell-cell contact.
  • Thrombopoietin treatment increased megakaryocyte numbers and reduced skeletal metastatic lesions in mice.

Takeaway

This study found that certain blood cells called megakaryocytes can stop prostate cancer cells from growing in bones, which could help in treating the disease.

Methodology

The study used cell culture experiments and in vivo mouse models to assess the effects of megakaryocytes on prostate cancer cell growth.

Limitations

The inhibitory effects of megakaryocytes were not sustained over time in vivo, and the study primarily focused on specific cell lines.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/jbmr.204

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