The Impact of Doxycycline as an Adjunctive Therapy on Prostate-Specific Antigen, Quality of Life, and Cognitive Function in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Metastatic prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge, with limited therapeutic options. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential as an adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy in reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and improving quality of life in patients receiving standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: This phase II, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 45 participants (aged 57-81 years) assigned to doxycycline (100 mg daily) or a placebo for six months. The primary outcome was the percentage change in PSA levels at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), and glucose levels. Additionally, a structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis was performed through an extensive bibliographic review to identify pharmacophores responsible for doxycycline's biological activity, particularly its tetracyclic core. The SAR analysis included tetracyclines and derivatives, androgen-targeting agents, and other pharmacologically relevant molecules used in prostate cancer therapy. Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariate logistic regression. Results: At six months, the doxycycline group showed a median PSA reduction of 60% compared to 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.043). A ≥50% reduction in PSA levels was observed in 71.4% of patients receiving doxycycline versus 20.8% in the placebo group (p = 0.001), with an adjusted relative risk of 10.309 (95% CI: 2.359-45.055, p = 0.002). Quality of life improved, with 7.1% of doxycycline-treated patients reporting poor quality of life compared to 42.9% in the placebo group (p = 0.028). A slight improvement in cognitive function was also noted (p = 0.037). SAR analysis suggested that the tetracyclic ring of doxycycline may play a crucial role in its observed biological effects. Conclusions: Doxycycline demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy in metastatic prostate cancer by reducing PSA levels and improving quality of life. The SAR analysis supports the hypothesis that its tetracyclic structure may be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Keywords: doxycycline; metastatic prostate cancer; prostate-specific antigen (PSA); quality of life; randomized controlled trial; structure–activity relationship (SAR).

Figure 1

Flowchart of patient selection, randomization, and treatment protocol. ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists).

Figure 2

Percentage change in prostate-specific antigen levels at 3 and 6 months of treatment. The doxycycline group showed a significantly higher percentage change (−52.0 ± 22.9% and −63.7 ± 22.1% at 3 and 6 months) compared to the placebo group (−22.6 ± 26.6% and −33.7 ± 27.4% at 3 and 6 months).

Figure 3

Comparison of the physicochemical properties of the selected compounds: (A) TPSA, (B) iLOGP, (C) log Kp (cm/s), (D) MR, (E) number of H-Bond acceptors, and (F) number of H-bond donors.

Figure 4

Structural interactions of tetracyclines and derivatives with hormone-binding proteins and enzymes involved in androgen signaling.