Conjugates of lytic peptides and LHRH or βCG target and cause necrosis of prostate cancers and metastases

In a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments, it was shown that membrane disrupting lytic peptides (Hecate, Phor14, or Phor21) conjugated to a 15 amino acid segment of the β chain of CG or to LHRH were able to target and destroy hormone dependent and independent human prostate cancer xenografts in nude mice. In vitro sensitivity of the cells to the drugs was directly related to LH/CG receptor expression, and pretreatment in vitro or in vivo with estrogens or FSH to enhance LH/CG receptor expression capacity and increased sensitivity to the drugs. Administration of unconjugated Hecate and LHRH was ineffective. Most importantly, all of the lytic peptide–βCG conjugates tested were highly effective in destroying prostate cancer metastatic cells in lymph nodes, bones and lungs.