Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses
Published on: October 24, 2019
[Role of androgen receptors in hormone-refractory prostate cancer: molecular basics and experimental therapy
L Rinnab1, A Hessenauer, S V Schütz
1Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany. ludwig.rinnab@uniklinik-ulm.de
Abstract:
The development of hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells is one of the major causes for the progression and high mortality rates in advanced prostate cancer (PCA). While the loss of the androgen receptor (AR) is the predominant mechanism for development of a hormone-insensitive disease in vitro, the first in vivo studies showed that the AR is still expressed or is even overexpressed in hormone-refractory PCA. In view of the increasing cases of PCA in the industrialized Western countries, a series of cell and molecular biological studies has led to the identification of various new factors and mechanisms that play a role during the development of hormone-refractory tumors. These findings should lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Hormone-refractory prostate cancer (PCA) progression is linked to androgen receptor (AR) expression, contrary to in vitro findings. New research identifies novel factors driving hormone-insensitive PCA, paving the way for advanced therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Advanced prostate cancer (PCA) exhibits high mortality rates, often driven by hormone-refractory progression.
- In vitro studies suggest androgen receptor (AR) loss causes hormone insensitivity, but in vivo data indicate AR expression persists or increases.
Purpose:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms and identify new factors involved in the development of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
- To reconcile discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo observations regarding AR status in hormone-refractory PCA.
Summary:
- Hormone-refractory prostate cancer (PCA) development is a critical factor in advanced disease progression and mortality.
- While in vitro models implicate androgen receptor (AR) loss, in vivo studies reveal AR expression or overexpression in hormone-refractory PCA.
- Cell and molecular studies have identified novel factors and mechanisms contributing to hormone-refractory tumor development.
Impact:
- Findings challenge previous understandings of hormone-refractory PCA mechanisms.
- Identified factors and mechanisms offer potential targets for new therapeutic strategies.
- Advances understanding of PCA progression, potentially improving patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
07:25A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
08:46Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
Published on: December 9, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistent Cancers
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...