Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Therapeutic targets for metastatic prostate cancer
Terry L Timme1, Takefumi Satoh, Salahaldin A Tahir
1Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in adult males. Although prostate cancer that is confined to the gland can be cured in many patients using surgery or radiation, these treatments are only effective for localized tumors and the long-term failure rates for these treatments suggests that prostate cancer can metastasize relatively early in the course of the disease. Once prostate cancer has metastasized there are no curative therapies. The greatest challenge in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer is to access and eliminate metastatic cells. Therefore, effective prostate cancer therapy will require novel strategies to target cancer cells both at the site of the primary tumor and at distant metastatic sites. In this article we review several therapeutic targets and approaches that may provide new treatments for metastatic prostate cancer. We discuss the use of small molecules to target specific molecular events associated with metastatic prostate cancer, the use of specific antibodies that target unique metastasis associated molecules and the use of various gene therapy strategies to achieve anti-metastatic activities.
Insights
Effective prostate cancer therapy requires novel strategies to target metastatic cells. This review explores small molecules, antibodies, and gene therapy for advanced prostate cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading non-cutaneous cancer in adult males.
- Current treatments (surgery, radiation) are effective for localized tumors but fail for metastatic disease.
- Metastatic prostate cancer lacks curative therapies, posing a significant clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapeutic targets and strategies for treating metastatic prostate cancer.
- To explore approaches for eliminating cancer cells at primary and distant metastatic sites.
Main Methods:
- Review of small molecule inhibitors targeting molecular events in metastasis.
- Discussion of antibody-based therapies targeting metastasis-associated molecules.
- Exploration of gene therapy strategies for anti-metastatic activity.
Main Results:
- Identified several promising therapeutic targets and approaches for metastatic prostate cancer.
- Highlighted the potential of small molecules, antibodies, and gene therapy in combating metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for effective prostate cancer treatment, particularly for advanced, metastatic disease.
- Targeting specific molecular events and utilizing innovative therapies like gene therapy show promise.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

