Emerging targeted therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Vincenzo Adamo1, Laura Noto, Tindara Franchina
1Integrated Therapies in Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Until recently, few therapeutic options were available for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Since 2010, four new molecules with a demonstrated benefit (sipuleucel-T, cabazitaxel, abiraterone, and denosumab) have been approved in this setting, and to-date several other agents are under investigation in clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to present an update of targeted therapies for CRPC. Presented data are obtained from literature and congress reports updated until December 2011. Targeted therapies in advanced phases of clinical development include novel androgen signaling inhibitors, inhibitors of alternative signaling pathways, anti-angiogenic agents, inhibitors that target the bone microenvironment, and immunotherapeutic agents. Radium-223 and MDV3100 demonstrated a survival advantage in phase III trials and the road for their introduction in clinical practice is rapidly ongoing. Results are also awaited for phase III studies currently underway or planned with new drugs given as monotherapy (TAK-700, cabozantinib, tasquinimod, PROSTVAC-VF, ipilimumab) or in combination with docetaxel (custirsen, aflibercept, dasatinib, zibotentan). The optimal timing, combination, and sequencing of emerging therapies remain unknown and require further investigation. Additionally, the identification of novel markers of response and resistance to these therapies may better individualize treatment for patients with CRPC.
Insights
New targeted therapies are emerging for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), offering hope beyond limited options. Ongoing trials investigate novel agents and combinations to personalize treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited therapeutic options historically available for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
- Recent approvals (since 2010) include sipuleucel-T, cabazitaxel, abiraterone, and denosumab for CRPC.
- Numerous novel agents are currently under investigation in clinical trials for CRPC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of targeted therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
- To summarize data from literature and congress reports up to December 2011.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and congress report analysis.
- Focus on targeted therapies in advanced stages of clinical development.
- Categorization of agents by mechanism of action (androgen signaling, alternative pathways, anti-angiogenesis, bone microenvironment, immunotherapy).
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies in advanced development include novel androgen signaling inhibitors, alternative pathway inhibitors, anti-angiogenic agents, bone-targeting agents, and immunotherapeutics.
- Radium-223 and MDV3100 have demonstrated survival advantages in Phase III trials, nearing clinical introduction.
- Results are pending for Phase III studies of monotherapy agents (e.g., TAK-700, cabozantinib) and combinations with docetaxel (e.g., custirsen, aflibercept).
Conclusions:
- Emerging therapies show promise for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
- Optimal timing, combination, and sequencing of these novel therapies require further investigation.
- Identification of response/resistance markers is crucial for personalized CRPC treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

