Capsaicin, a novel radiosensitizer, acts via a TRPV6 mediated phenomenon.

23 Background: Radiosensitizing agents sensitize cells to the lethal effects of ionizing radiation (IR). This permits use of lower doses of radiation to achieve equivalent cancer control thereby minimizing adverse effects to normal tissues. Given their lack of toxicity compounds occurring naturally in the diet make ideal potential radiosensitizing agents. Capsaicin, a compound found in the Capsicum sp. of plants, is a widely consumed food additive in areas with low PCa incidence. Traditionally capsaicin is used to treat chronic pain syndromes; however, recently evidence using in vitro PCa models describes its anti-carcinogenic potential. The transient receptor potential vanilloid-receptor (TRPV)-1 and TRPV6 cation selective channels are thought to be partly responsible for mediating these effects. TRPV-1 and TRPV-6 expression is up-regulated in PCa tissue correlating directly with increasing tumor grade. This suggests TRPV1 and/or TRPV6 may be potential therapeutic targets for capsaicin mediated intervent...