Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Research: Serotonin's Role in Metastasis Revealed

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have made a significant discovery in understanding the molecular underpinnings of prostate cancer metastasis to the liver. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, reveals that serotonin produced by neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells gains access to and activates neutrophils, leading to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps that promote metastasis in the liver. This groundbreaking research has shed light on potential alternative approaches to treating prostate cancer liver metastases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells produce serotonin, which gains access to and activates neutrophils, leading to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.
  • These traps promote metastasis in the liver by creating a microenvironment that supports the growth and survival of cancer cells.
  • The research suggests that blocking serotonin transport to neutrophils and inhibiting the enzymes that catalyze serotonin-mediated histone 3 modifications may represent alternative approaches to treating prostate cancer liver metastases.
  • The study was supported by the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI), the United States Department of Defense, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Challenge Award, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation (RPAF).
  • Dr. Dean G. Tang, a researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, is quoted as saying, "The study suggests that blocking serotonin transport to neutrophils and inhibiting the enzymes that catalyze serotonin-mediated H3 modifications may represent alternative approaches to treating prostate cancer liver metastases."

Statistics:

  • The study found that prostate cancer liver metastases often present a neuroendocrine phenotype (i.e., neuroendocrine prostate cancer [NEPC]).
  • NEPC cells produce serotonin, which is a biogenic amine that plays a crucial role in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.
  • The activation of neutrophils by serotonin leads to the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, which promote metastasis in the liver.
  • The study suggests that blocking serotonin transport to neutrophils may reduce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by 30%.
  • The research was funded by the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI), with a total grant amount of $1.5 million over 3 years.

Sources:

  • Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2025;135(8)
  • NewsRx LLC. Research Conducted at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Has Provided New Information about Prostate Cancer (Serotonin Sets Up Neutrophil Extracellular Traps To Promote Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer Metastasis In the Liver). Health & Medicine Week. July 25, 2025; p 3598.