Pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron): in vitro effects on prostate cancer cells regarding cell growth and vascular endothelial growth factor production

Background Elmiron (ALZA Corp, Mountain View, CA) is the only Food and Drug Administration–approved oral therapy for interstitial cystitis. We hypothesized that Elmiron would affect the growth of prostate cancer in vitro. Methods Prostate cancer cell lines (LnCaP, PC3, and DU145) were treated with Elmiron. Cell viability was measured by MTT (3-4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Inhibition of cell growth was observed in all cell lines tested. LnCaP exhibited a mean inhibition of 12% ± 7% at 24 hours (P = .025) and 20% ± 15% at 72 hours (P < .001). PC3 exhibited a mean inhibition of 26% ± 13% at 24 hours (P < .001) and 44% ± 5% at 72 hours (P < .001). DU145 exhibited a mean inhibition of 9% ± 6% at 24 hours (P < .015) and 30% ± 5% at 72 hours (P < .001). PC3 cells exhibited a significant reduction in VEGF levels (P < .001). Conclusions The reductions in cell growth and VEGF indicate that Elmiron may act as an antiangiogenic agent and may have application in the treatment of prostate cancer.