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Pharmacological values of medicinal mushrooms for prostate cancer therapy: the case of Ganoderma lucidum
Jamal Mahajna1, Nesly Dotan, Ben-Zion Zaidman
1Cancer Drug Discovery Program, Migal-Galilee Technology Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel. jamalm@migal.org.il
Abstract:
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common male malignancy in many Western countries. Primary PCa is hormone dependent and is manageable by hormonal therapy. However, it rapidly develops to hormone-refractory tumors due to the accumulation of mutations in the androgen receptor and/or the acquisition of alternative cellular pathways that support proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of prostate cancer. To date, no effective therapy is available for clinically hormone-insensitive or hormone-refractory stages of prostate cancer.
Insights
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common male cancer. While initially hormone-dependent, it often becomes hormone-refractory, lacking effective treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy in males.
- Primary PCa is hormone-dependent and responsive to hormonal therapy.
- PCa can progress to hormone-refractory tumors, a stage with limited therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the unmet need for effective therapies against hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
- To investigate the mechanisms driving PCa progression to hormone insensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic mutations in androgen receptors.
- Investigation of alternative cellular pathways promoting cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Main Results:
- Hormone-refractory PCa develops due to androgen receptor mutations or alternative signaling pathways.
- These pathways facilitate cancer cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Hormone-refractory prostate cancer presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Current therapeutic strategies are ineffective for advanced, hormone-insensitive PCa.