Therapeutics for Sex Steroid-driven Cancers

University of Kansas Background
Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is an enzyme that is essential for the production of both androgenic and estrogenic sex steroid hormones. The concentration of these hormones has been implicated as a factor in carcinogenesis of some types of cancer. Therefore, inhibiting CYP17A1 could prove an important step in the fight against certain types of cancer.
Technology Overview
The current invention rationally designs novel compositions of matter in order to inhibit CYP17A1 while leaving CYP21A2 relatively unaltered. The design of these compounds allows for the treatment of certain types of cancer while limiting the occurrence of side effects seen with previously used compounds.
Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is an enzyme that is essential for the production of both androgenic and estrogenic sex steroid hormones. The concentration of these hormones has been implicated as a factor in carcinogenesis of some types of cancer. Therefore, inhibiting CYP17A1 could prove an important step in the fight against certain types of cancer.
Further Details
To learn more about the technology a published white paper (pdf) is available for download here.
Benefits
This invention allows for the decrease in production of sex steroid hormones while leaving CYP21A2 relatively unaltered.
By CYP21A2 remaining active, side effects such as acute hypertension are decreased. However, with the rational drug design the cancer fighting benefits remain.
Applications
These compounds could be used not only for a number of cancers but also for hormone therapies.
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