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New Findings on Prostate Cancer Treatment: Repurposing Selegiline Shows Promise

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Recent research has shed new light on the treatment of advanced prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC). By examining the effects of the irreversible monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor, selegiline, in combination with conventional therapies, scientists have discovered a potential new avenue for treatment. According to a study published in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, selegiline reduced MAO-B activity by 75%-80% and decreased cell counts by 40%-50% in androgen-insensitive (PC-3 and DU145) and androgen-sensitive (22Rv1, LNCaP, and VCaP) PAC cell lines.

Key Takeaways:

  • Selegiline, an irreversible MAO-B inhibitor, showed significant potential in reducing MAO-B activity and viability in various prostate cancer cell lines.
  • The combination of selegiline with enzalutamide in 22Rv1 cells and with docetaxel in PC-3 cells demonstrated potentiating and additive effects, respectively.
  • Selegiline reduced FOXA1 and GLUT1 mRNA expressions related to cancer progression and metabolism in both cell lines, increased the apoptosis-related BAX in PC-3, and decreased AR, EGFR, and SNAI2 in 22Rv1 linked to proliferation and metastasis.
  • This study suggests potential for selegiline repurposing in both androgen-sensitive and -insensitive PAC therapy by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cancer growth and survival signals.
  • Authors Anita Steib, Krisztina Pohoczky, Norbert Toth, Viktoria Kormos, Jozsef Kun, Tamas Kalai, Laszlo Mangel, and Peter Matyus contributed to the research alongside lead author Zsuzsanna Helyes from the University of Pecs.

Statistics:

  • 75%-80% reduction in MAO-B activity in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells upon selegiline treatment
  • 40%-50% decrease in cell counts in PC-3 and 22Rv1 cells with selegiline treatment
  • 40%-50% reduction in cell proliferation and viability in all cell lines with selegiline treatment
  • 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells showed the highest expression of MAO-B mRNA, with selegiline reducing cell viability by 1-10 mM
  • Combination of selegiline with enzalutamide and docetaxel demonstrated potentiating and additive effects, respectively

Sources:

  • Helyes, Z., Steib, A., Pohoczky, K., et al. (2025). The Mao-b Inhibitor Selegiline Reduces the Viability of Different Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Enhances the Effects of Anti-androgen and Cytostatic Agents. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 13(5).
  • NewsRx. New Findings from University of Pecs in the Area of Prostate Cancer Reported (The Mao-b Inhibitor Selegiline Reduces the Viability of Different Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Enhances the Effects of Anti-androgen and Cytostatic Agents). Cancer Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 2241.

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