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A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Clinical trials in metastatic prostate cancer--has there been real progress in the past decade?
Manish S Bhandari1, Daniel P Petrylak, Maha Hussain
1Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Hormone refractory prostate cancer remains a challenge. While only palliative treatment strategies were available for the past several decades, many promising agents have been investigated over the past decade. Of those the taxanes appeared with significant anti-tumor activity and recently, two large randomized controlled trials demonstrated for the first time, a survival and palliative benefit with docetaxel based chemotherapy. In the current era, recurrent disease after local treatment for localized disease is diagnosed long before evidence of systemic disease. With earlier institution of hormonal treatments, patients are becoming "hormone refractory" earlier in the course of their disease with considerable long life expectancy. Hence, there is a greater need than ever for more treatment options for this expanding group of patients. A number of new systemic therapies have recently emerged, based on a deeper understanding of prostate cancer biology. Novel chemotherapeutics such as the epothilones, molecularly targeted therapies against angiogenesis, the proteosome and endothelin receptor antagonists, as well as biological agents such as anti-sense oligonucleotides are being tested as part of the armamentarium. Key to progress in the therapy of this fatal disease is the commitment and timely enrolment of prostate cancer patients in clinical trials.
Insights
Hormone refractory prostate cancer treatment is evolving. Docetaxel-based chemotherapy offers survival and palliative benefits, with new agents under investigation for this growing patient group.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Hormone refractory prostate cancer presents significant therapeutic challenges.
- Historically, palliative care was the primary option, but recent advances show promise.
- Earlier diagnosis and hormonal treatment lead to patients becoming hormone refractory sooner.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of treatment options for hormone refractory prostate cancer.
- To highlight the emergence of novel systemic therapies.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and therapeutic agent investigations.
- Analysis of the impact of docetaxel-based chemotherapy.
- Exploration of emerging novel agents targeting prostate cancer biology.
Main Results:
- Docetaxel-based chemotherapy has demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity, survival, and palliative benefits in large trials.
- Newer agents including epothilones, anti-angiogenesis therapies, proteasome inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists are under investigation.
- Earlier disease detection and hormonal therapy result in an increasing number of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- Docetaxel-based chemotherapy represents a significant advancement in managing hormone refractory prostate cancer.
- A deeper understanding of prostate cancer biology is driving the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Patient participation in clinical trials is crucial for advancing treatment options for this fatal disease.
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