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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Published on: August 28, 2013
Agents in development for prostate cancer prevention
1Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21231, UK. bnelson@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
Accumulated epidemiological evidence indicates that prostate cancer mortality should be preventable. As androgenic hormones have long been recognised to be required for normal prostatic development, and because androgen deprivation is an established treatment for advanced prostate cancer, androgen signalling has been an attractive target for prostate cancer prevention. Inhibitors of 5alpha-reductase, an enzyme necessary for the conversion of testosterone to the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone, have reached pivotal clinical trials for prostate cancer prevention. In addition, new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer hint that chronic or recurrent prostate inflammation may contribute to the development of the disease. A variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs, which are likely to be capable of attenuating pro-carcinogenic genome damage from reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, are also under current development for prostate cancer prevention. This review will consider the rational development of these and other new agents and approaches for prostate cancer prevention in the context of recent research progress in ascertaining the aetiology of prostate cancer.
Insights
Prostate cancer mortality is preventable through targeting androgen signaling and inflammation. New drugs, including 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and antioxidants, show promise for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer mortality is a significant public health concern, yet evidence suggests it is preventable.
- Androgen signaling is crucial for prostate development and a validated target for advanced prostate cancer treatment.
- Emerging research implicates chronic inflammation in prostate cancer development, suggesting new avenues for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rational development of novel agents and strategies for prostate cancer prevention.
- To explore the role of androgen deprivation and inflammation in prostate cancer etiology and prevention.
- To discuss current research progress in understanding prostate cancer pathogenesis for preventive applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological evidence and molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in prostate cancer prevention.
- Evaluation of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs for their potential in preventing carcinogen-induced genome damage.
Main Results:
- 5alpha-reductase inhibitors are in pivotal clinical trials for prostate cancer prevention.
- Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are being developed to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation linked to cancer.
- Understanding prostate cancer etiology informs the development of targeted preventive therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting androgen signaling pathways offers a viable strategy for prostate cancer prevention.
- Modulating prostate inflammation and oxidative stress presents promising preventive approaches.
- Continued research into prostate cancer's molecular underpinnings is essential for advancing prevention.
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