The Dark Side of Mast Cell–Targeted Therapy in Prostate Cancer

摘要: Tumor development requires accomplices among white blood cells. Other than macrophages, mast cells have been observed to support the outgrowth of certain neoplasias because their proangiogenic properties. In some tumor settings, however, may a protective role, exerted by proinflammatory mediators. prostate cancer, no conclusive data on cell function were available. Here, we discuss recent work role in mouse and human showing that can behave alternatively as dangerous promoters, innocent bystanders, or essential guardians tumors, according stage origin transformed particular, are for early-stage tumors due matrix metalloproteinase–9 production, become dispensable advanced-stage, post–epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, against neuroendocrine variants. The common expression c-Kit clones suggests possible competition ligand Stem factor offers chance curing disease while preventing using c-Kit–targeted therapy. This review discusses implications these findings advocated cell–targeted cancer therapy considers future directions study interactions with other c-Kit–expressing Cancer Res; 72(4); 831–5. ©2012 AACR.