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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Endothelin receptor antagonists: rationale, clinical development, and role in prostate cancer therapeutics
Snehal G Thakkar1, Toni K Choueiri, Jorge A Garcia
1Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, R-35, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. choueit@ccf.org
Abstract:
The endothelins (ETs), which include ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, and their receptors ET-A and ET-B, play a major role in tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and bone metastasis. Atrasentan is a novel and selective inhibitor of ET-1 and ET-A. In vitro and in vivo data show that this oral agent is capable of inhibiting tumor cells in vitro. More recently, this agent was studied in several phase I trials with refractory carcinoma patients. Subsequently, phase II and III clinical trials evaluating atrasentan in patients with hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma have suggested that targeting this pathway may be a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of solid malignancies, specifically, prostate cancer.
Insights
Atrasentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Clinical trials suggest it may be a new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer and other solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endothelins (ETs) and their receptors (ET-A, ET-B) are implicated in tumor progression, including growth, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and bone metastasis.
- Targeting the endothelin pathway presents a potential therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of atrasentan, a selective endothelin-1 and ET-A receptor inhibitor, in preclinical and clinical settings.
- To explore atrasentan as a novel therapeutic agent for solid malignancies, particularly prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies assessing the anti-tumor effects of atrasentan.
- Phase I, II, and III clinical trials involving patients with refractory carcinoma and hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma.
Main Results:
- Atrasentan demonstrated in vitro inhibition of tumor cells.
- Clinical trials indicated potential therapeutic benefits in patients with advanced cancers.
Conclusions:
- Atrasentan exhibits anti-tumor activity and warrants further investigation.
- Targeting the endothelin pathway with atrasentan represents a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer and other solid tumors.
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