Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine researchers have blocked an early step in metastasis of prostate cancer cells by interrupting the communication between the cancer cells and other cells that promote inflammation.

Recent studies have suggested an association between chronic inflammation and cancers of the prostate, colon, stomach and liver. The Northwestern researchers found that the tumors communicated with macrophages–scavenger cells vital to the regulation of immune responses and the development of inflammation–and the monocyte cells that produce macrophages. Blocking the chemical NF-kappaB released by the monocytes reduced the cancer’s movement and invasion.

Future studies will test if existing inflammation-controlling drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, antioxidants and statins) block NF-kappaB activity.

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology News Release