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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Prostate cancer: a dynamic illness with shifting targets
David R Shaffer1, Howard I Scher
1Genitourinary Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Abstract:
Despite high response rates and palliative clinical benefits, androgen ablation does not cure advanced prostate cancer because of the inevitable emergence of resistant cells. Many new therapies under development for prostate cancer target pathways and molecules that contribute to the growth and survival of these cells. The rational and effective use of targeted therapies to eradicate resistant populations of tumour cells should be grounded on the premise that prostate cancer is a dynamic disease that evolves as it progresses, and that specific molecular determinants mediating sensitivity and resistance may be relevant only during specific states of the disease. Directed approaches must account for this changing dynamic so that clinical outcomes may be improved.
Insights
Androgen ablation for advanced prostate cancer is not curative due to resistant cells. Targeted therapies must address prostate cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Androgen ablation therapy (AAT) shows high response rates but fails to cure advanced prostate cancer.
- The emergence of androgen-independent, resistant prostate cancer cells limits AAT efficacy.
- New targeted therapies aim to overcome resistance by inhibiting key growth and survival pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the dynamic nature of prostate cancer evolution.
- To highlight the need for targeted therapies that address disease progression.
- To improve clinical outcomes by accounting for dynamic molecular determinants of sensitivity and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of prostate cancer progression and resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of emerging targeted therapy strategies.
- Conceptual framework for dynamic treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer is a dynamic disease that evolves during progression.
- Molecular determinants of sensitivity and resistance are state-specific.
- Current targeted therapies require a dynamic approach for maximum efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Effective eradication of resistant prostate cancer requires understanding its dynamic evolution.
- Targeted therapies must be tailored to specific disease states and molecular determinants.
- A dynamic, adaptive treatment strategy is crucial for improving clinical outcomes in advanced prostate cancer.
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