Modulation of Heat Sensitivity in Prostate Cancer In Vitro: The Influence of the Androgen Axis

The study investigated the effect of androgen-modulating drugs, Finasteride and Bicalutamide, on the heat sensitivity of prostate cancer cell lines (BPH-1, rVCaP, VCaP, 22Rv1, and PC-3) in vitro. Cells were heated between 37-100°C, and their metabolic activity was measured. Results showed a continuous decrease in metabolic activity in BPH-1, VCaP, and 22Rv1 cell lines, while rVCaP and PC-3 cell lines exhibited increased metabolic activity at 50°C. Pretreatment with the drugs did not significantly alter heat sensitivity. The increased viability of rVCaP and PC-3 cells at 60°C was attributed to higher HSP expression, suggesting potential treatment failure in HIFU therapy border zones. Future studies should explore the role of HSP and the effects of HSP inhibitors under hyperthermic conditions.