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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel
Published on: September 8, 2017
Interfering with cell-survival signalling as a treatment strategy for prostate cancer
Niall M Corcoran1, Anthony J Costello, Christopher M Hovens
1Department of Urology, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. niall.corcoran@mh.org.au
Abstract:
Authors from Australia describe how interfering with cell survival is increasingly being chosen as a method of developing a treatment strategy for hormone-resistant prostate cancer. The authors show how several developmental drug candidates have preclinical and clinical activity against cell survival proteins, and that these might be worth considering as possible clinical entities in this condition. The commonly stated argument that laparoscopy has advanced the cause of donor nephrectomy in renal transplantation is examined by authors from the UK. They present a review of the published reports and show that the evidence base is poor for drawing a conclusion as to whether laparoscopic or open nephrectomy is best.
Insights
Targeting cell survival proteins shows promise for hormone-resistant prostate cancer treatment. Evidence for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in renal transplantation remains inconclusive, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Transplantation
Background:
- Hormone-resistant prostate cancer (HRPC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Cell survival pathways are critical targets for HRPC treatment development.
- Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is widely adopted, but its superiority over open nephrectomy is debated in renal transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel therapeutic strategies targeting cell survival in HRPC.
- To critically assess the evidence supporting laparoscopic donor nephrectomy versus open nephrectomy in renal transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical and clinical studies of drug candidates targeting cell survival proteins in HRPC were reviewed.
- A systematic review of published reports comparing laparoscopic and open donor nephrectomy was conducted.
Main Results:
- Several developmental drug candidates demonstrated preclinical and clinical activity against cell survival proteins in HRPC.
- The current evidence base is insufficient to definitively conclude whether laparoscopic or open donor nephrectomy is superior for renal transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cell survival mechanisms represents a viable strategy for developing new HRPC treatments.
- Further robust research is needed to establish the optimal surgical approach for donor nephrectomy in renal transplantation.
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