Progress in understanding androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC): a review of potential endocrine-mediated

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A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
07:25

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

Fritz H Schröder1

  • 1Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. e.vandenberg@erasmusmc.nl <e.vandenberg@erasmusmc.nl>

European Urology
|February 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Prostate cancer can become androgen-independent through seven mechanisms, often involving the androgen receptor. New findings reveal elevated androgen levels in metastatic tissue, suggesting novel treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Prostate cancer progression to androgen independence is a critical challenge in treatment.
  • Understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for developing effective therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent developments and established mechanisms of prostate cancer progression to androgen independence.
  • To place current progress in the field within the context of historical understanding.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and hypothetical mechanisms.
  • Analysis of recent scientific developments and their implications.
  • Examination of androgen receptor expression and activity in prostate cancer tissues.

Main Results:

  • Seven distinct mechanisms contribute to androgen independence in prostate cancer.
  • Five mechanisms are linked to androgen receptor (AR) activity, with AR present or over-expressed in androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) tissue.
  • Elevated levels of androgens, specifically 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and androgen-synthesizing enzymes are observed in AIPC metastatic tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Androgen receptor activity plays a central role in prostate cancer's progression to androgen independence.
  • AIPC cells develop resistance to castration and antiandrogens through various mechanisms.
  • The presence of androgen-synthesizing enzymes and elevated DHT in metastatic AIPC offers potential new therapeutic targets.

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