Zoledronate stimulates gamma delta T cells in prostate cancer patients

Oncol Res. 2010;18(10):493-501. doi: 10.3727/096504010x12671222663638.

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for prostate cancer. Given its frequent failure, new therapy that reduces prostate cancer progression would be a breakthrough in treating this disease. Bisphosphonates are well-established agents for treating skeletal-related events (SREs) in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Exposure to bisphosphonates may not only reduce the incidence of SREs, but also have anticancer effects by modulating a patient's immunity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of zoledronate (ZOL) on gamma delta T cells, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and velocities. The effect of ZOL, with and without IL-2, on gamma delta T cell activation was examined in vitro. Furthermore, the activated state and the number of gamma delta T cells and changes in serum PSA levels were examined for patients who received ZOL infusion for the prevention of SREs. We found that ZOL activated gamma delta T cells, and the number of gamma delta T cell was increased when IL-2 was administered with ZOL in vitro. Comparisons before and after the first ZOL infusion revealed that gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood were activated by ZOL. Moreover, after the first ZOL treatment, reduction in serum PSA was observed in 3 of 11 patients, and reduction in PSA velocity was observed in 5 of 10 patients. Our findings indicate that ZOL stimulates gamma delta T cells in vivo and in vitro. This study provides further insight into the ability of gamma delta T cells to induce an antitumor immune response.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / pharmacology*
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Immunotherapy
  • Interleukin-2 / pharmacology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / analysis*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen