Genistein, the major isoflavone from soy, has been shown to have cancer preventive activity, but the mechanisms are not clearly understood. Fang et al. demonstrate that treatment of human esophageal cancer cells with genistein (2–20 mmol/L) caused the reversal of hypermethylation and reactivation of retinoic acid receptor β, p16INK4a, and O6-methylguanine methyltransferase genes. Similar activity is also observed with human prostate cancer cells.

Greater extent of reactivation is observed when genistein is combined with low concentrations of trichostatin, sulforaphane, or 2’-deoxy-5-aza-cytidine. Reversal or prevention of the hypermethylation of key genes by genistein may contribute to its cancer prevention activity.

Source: October 1 Clinical Cancer Research Highlights | American Association for Cancer Research

Note: Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous veggies (brassica) like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, bok choy, kale, collards, cauliflower, cauliflower sprouts, arugula, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, red radish and watercress, brussel sprouts and cabbage.

Docetaxel Plus Vaccine Extends Progression-Free Survival Rates In Prostate Cancer Patients

Docetaxel has activity against androgen-insensitive prostate cancer (AIPC). Arlen et al. designed a randomized Phase II study in AIPC patients to compare a prostate-specific antigen vector–based vaccine vs. vaccine plus docetaxel.

Patients in the vaccine alone arm were allowed to receive docetaxel at progression.

Median progression-free survival rates on docetaxel was 6.1 months after crossover from vaccine vs. 3.7 months with the same drug regimen and patient population in a previous trial. Larger prospective studies will be required to validate these findings.

This was the first study to show that patients in both arms (vaccine ± docetaxel) developed equal T-cell responses to prostate-specific antigen showing that docetaxel (with steroid) did not inhibit immune responses.
source: February 15 Clinical Cancer Research Highlights | American Association for Cancer Research