Compound Prevents Prostate Cancer Cell Growth

US Pharm. 2011;36(1):6. 

Turku, Finland--Researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Turku determined that monensin, an antibiotic used in the meat and dairy industries, prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells without significant effects on the growth of normal human prostate epithelial cells. Monensin was found to cause prostate cancer cell death by reducing the amount of testosterone receptors and by increasing production of reactive oxygen species and inducing DNA damage. Monensin also had combined effects with antiandrogens in preventing prostate cancer cell growth. “These findings give rise to a potential new use for…monensin,” stated researchers Kristiina Iljin from VTT and Kirsi Ketola from the University of Turku.