Introduction. Radiation therapy using ionizing radiation is widely used for the treatment of prostate cancer. The intrinsic radiation sensitivity of cancer cells could be enhanced by modulating multiple factors including the capacity to repair DNA damage, especially double-strand breaks (DSBs). We aimed to examine the effect of zerumbone on radiation sensitivity and its protective effects against ionizing radiation–induced DSB in human prostate cancer cells. Materials and Methods. The human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cell lines were used. A colony formation assay was performed to analyze the radiation survival of cells. DNA histogram and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of regulatory molecules related to DNA damage repair. Results. Pretreatment with zerumbone enhanced the radiation effect on prostate cancer cells. Zerumbone delayed the abrogation of radiation-induced expression of γ-H2AX, an indicator of DNA DSB. Zerumbone pretreatment markedly reduced ionizing radiation–induced upregulated expression of phosphorylated ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated), which was partially reversed by the ATM agonist methyl methanesulfonate. Ionizing radiation augmented and zerumbone pretreatment reduced the expression of Jak2 and Stat3, which are involved in DNA damage repair signaling. No significant effect on the generation of ROS and expression of ATR was noted after zerumbone treatment. Conclusion: Zerumbone sensitized DU145 and PC3 prostatic cancer cells to ionizing radiation by modulating radiation-induced ATM activation during repair of DNA DSBs.

BackgroundSolitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare soft tissue tumor originally reported in the pleura. Although it has been reported in various extra-pleural sites, the occurrence of SFT in the scrotum is extremely rare. Herein, we present a 48-year-old man who had scrotal SFT. There are very few reported cases of genitourinary SFTs, this is only the fifth report of SFT of the scrotum in the English medical literature.Case presentationIn this study, we report on a 48-year-old man who presented with a 5 × 8 cm scrotal mass between his testes. Physical examination revealed a 4.7 × 8.5 cm lobulated tumor mass located between his testicles. Surgical excision of the tumor with scrotal approach was done and pathology reported a SFT. The patient was alive without tumor recurrence or distant metastasis during ongoing follow-up for 9 months post-operatively..ConclusionScrotal SFTs are very rare and only five cases have been reported in English literature to date. Treatment often involves surgical resection, and a definite diagnosis is made with the help of immunohistochemistry. The current general consensus for the management of SFTs is long-term follow-up after surgical excision of the tumor.

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