For many Australian men and their families, prostate cancer has been a formidable adversary, with the disease being the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the country. It's a battle that has often been fraught with uncertainty, especially for those facing aggressive forms that resist conventional treatments. However, a ray of hope has emerged from the labs of Flinders University and the University of South Australia, where researchers have unveiled a potential breakthrough that could revolutionise the way we approach this relentless disease.


The study, recently published in the prestigious British Journal of Cancer, details a new drug trial that offers prostate cancer patients new hope, particularly those grappling with the most tenacious forms of the illness. The drug, known as CDKI-73, is designed to target a specific protein called Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), which is integral to the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. By inhibiting this protein, CDKI-73 could potentially dismantle the cancer's defences against existing treatments.


This innovative approach to tackling drug-resistant prostate cancers is the brainchild of Associate Professor Luke Selth from Flinders University and Professor Shudong Wang from the University of South Australia. Their research has shown that CDKI-73 is not only potent in blocking the growth of prostate cancer but also exhibits a remarkable ability to do so without harming normal cells. This specificity is a significant advantage, as it could lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.


The study's findings are based on the effects of the drug across various prostate cancer models, including actual tumor samples from patients. These specimens were collected from men undergoing prostate surgery at St Andrew's Hospital in Adelaide. The results have been promising, demonstrating the drug's effectiveness and shedding light on its mechanism of action.

Associate Professor Selth expressed cautious optimism, stating, 'Our research demonstrates that CDKI-73 potently blocks the growth of prostate cancer, even aggressive subtypes of the disease that are resistant to current treatments. Importantly, CDKI-73 targets cancer cells specifically without harming normal cells, and its potential as an oral capsule makes it an attractive treatment option.'

The journey of CDKI-73 from the lab to the patient's bedside is still underway, with the drug currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for patients with relapsed and therapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia, another aggressive cancer. The success of these trials could pave the way for future clinical trials targeting prostate cancer.


Professor Shudong Wang, who developed CDKI-73, emphasised the significance of their work, 'This study demonstrates that CDKI-73 is a promising candidate for treating solid tumours such as prostate cancer. Our proof-of-principle study is an important step towards future clinical trials, and these findings will inform future studies in the use and efficacy of CDKI-73 as a prostate cancer treatment.'

While the research team acknowledges that there is still much work to be done, the potential impact of their discovery cannot be overstated. For the 3,300 Australian families who lose a loved one to prostate cancer each year, this breakthrough could represent a turning point in the fight against a disease that has long been considered incurable in its most aggressive forms.

As we await further developments, it's important to remember the power of regular health checks and early detection in managing prostate cancer. With continued support for research and innovation, we may soon see a future where the term 'incurable' is no longer associated with prostate cancer.



We at the Seniors Discount Club are committed to keeping our community informed about such significant advancements. We understand the impact prostate cancer has on many of our members and their families, and we share in the hope that discoveries like CDKI-73 will lead to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other through every health challenge we face.