Nitroglycerine on trial

A recent clinical trial conducted at Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) has reported that low-dose nitroglycerin might slow or stop prostate cancer progression, without significant side effects. The small, phase II study was the first ever to provide clinical evidence for nitroglycerine as a therapy for prostate cancer.

Nitroglycerine, which widens blood vessels and is commonly used to treat heart conditions, is converted to nitric oxide in the body. Earlier research at Queen’s had shown that low levels of nitric oxide are associated with hypoxia (oxygen starvation of the tissues), which is a factor in prostate tumour progression.

This open-label clinical trial (both researchers and participants knew what treatment was being administered) enrolled 29 men with biochemical recurrence (i.e. rising PSA levels) after their
primary surgery or radiation. The men were treated with a low-dose, slow-release nitroglycerin skin patch and their PSA was monitored over 24 months. Out of the 29 men, 17 completed the study and in 16 of these, the rate of cancer progression — measured by their PSA doubling time — either stabilized or decreased.

While this was a small study, it is exciting as it could lead to a new, safe, noninvasive treatment option for prostate cancer. The researchers plan to conduct larger placebo-controlled clinical trials with nitroglycerine to confirm and build upon their preliminary
findings.