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Updated: May 30, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Clinical trial update and novel therapeutic approaches for metastatic prostate cancer
R Larsson1, N P Mongan, M Johansson
1Division of Organic Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major clinical challenge. Invasive and metastatic PCa lesions often exhibit a partial and time-limited response to therapy before the cancer progresses and the patient succumbs to the disease. Despite recent advances in early diagnosis and treatment, approximately one-third of treated patients will relapse and become resistant to currently available treatments. In this review we evaluate current treatment practices and recent advances in therapy for localized prostate malignancy and advanced, metastatic prostate cancer. Some of the promising new drugs for PCa treatment include MDV3100, an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist that prevents androgens from binding to the AR and nuclear translocation and co-activator recruitment of the ligand-receptor complex; abiraterone, an orally administered drug that irreversibly inhibits a rate-limiting enzyme in androgen biosynthesis, CYP17; and several newer cytotoxic drugs (epothilones, satraplatin). Key new insights are that cancer stem cells play a role in PCa and that PCa cells are dependent on the AR for proliferation, even in the hormone refractory state of the disease. We also discuss potential molecular targets for new drug candidates for the treatment of metastatic PCa.
Insights
Recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) is a challenge, with many patients developing treatment resistance. This review covers current therapies and new drugs targeting androgen receptor pathways and cancer stem cells for advanced prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) presents significant clinical challenges, often progressing despite initial treatment.
- A substantial proportion of treated patients experience relapse and develop resistance to existing therapies.
- Metastatic PCa lesions show limited response to treatment, leading to disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment strategies for localized and advanced prostate cancer.
- To evaluate recent therapeutic advancements and novel drug candidates for PCa.
- To discuss emerging insights into PCa biology, including the role of cancer stem cells and androgen receptor dependence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current treatment practices for prostate cancer.
- Analysis of recent advances in therapeutic approaches for localized and metastatic PCa.
- Evaluation of novel drug candidates, including MDV3100, abiraterone, and newer cytotoxic agents.
Main Results:
- New drugs like MDV3100 (androgen receptor antagonist) and abiraterone (CYP17 inhibitor) show promise.
- Emerging evidence highlights the role of cancer stem cells in PCa.
- Prostate cancer cells remain dependent on the androgen receptor (AR) even in hormone-refractory states.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic agents offer new hope for managing recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer.
- Understanding the role of cancer stem cells and AR dependence is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Further research into molecular targets is essential for advancing PCa drug development.
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