Targeting the androgen receptor signalling axis in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)

Che-Kai Tsao1, Matthew D Galsky, Alexander C Small

  • 1Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.

BJU International
|September 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

New therapies targeting the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway offer significant clinical benefit for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This review updates on novel agents in clinical testing and promising preclinical therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Urology and Oncology
  • Molecular Biology and Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) affects 20-30% of patients despite curative-intent local therapy.
  • Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) provides only transient benefit in mCRPC, with cancer progressing despite low testosterone levels.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms has redefined 'hormone refractory' disease as 'castration-resistant' disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel agents targeting the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway for advanced prostate cancer.
  • To provide an update on agents currently in clinical trials.
  • To examine novel therapies with distinct mechanisms showing preclinical promise.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current clinical trials and preclinical studies.
  • Analysis of novel therapeutic agents targeting the AR signaling pathway.
  • Examination of distinct mechanisms of action for emerging prostate cancer therapies.

Main Results:

  • Novel agents targeting the AR signaling pathway, such as abiraterone and MDV3100, demonstrate significant clinical benefit in mCRPC.
  • A pipeline of new agents targeting the AR pathway is in clinical testing.
  • Novel therapies with distinct mechanisms show promising preclinical activity.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the AR signaling axis with novel agents represents a new generation of therapeutics for advanced prostate cancer.
  • Continued research into resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving outcomes in mCRPC.

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