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Updated: May 16, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Abiraterone acetate for the treatment of prostate cancer
Charles J Ryan1, Michael L Cheng
1Genitourinary Medical Oncology, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. ryanc@medicine.ucsf.edu
Introduction:
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The disease is driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, and the majority of patients initially respond to androgen deprivation therapies. The lethal form of this disease occurs when metastatic lesions progress in the setting of low testosterone levels, in what is conventionally referred to as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Recent insights suggest that CRPC continues to rely on an active AR pathway for cell survival and growth.
Areas Covered:
This review summarizes the rationale, mechanism of action and relevant clinical data of abiraterone acetate , an oral androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, in the management of CRPC.
Expert Opinion:
Abiraterone acetate is an oral, well-tolerated drug that targets a newly elucidated paradigm of continued AR activation in CRPC. Abiraterone acetate is approved in CRPC patients who have received docetaxel, and recent data suggest that the drug will also be effective and utilized in the pre-chemotherapy setting. Significant areas of scientific investigation remain in the optimization and further understanding of the therapy.
Insights
Abiraterone acetate effectively treats castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) by inhibiting androgen biosynthesis. This oral therapy is approved for patients post-docetaxel and shows promise before chemotherapy, targeting continued androgen receptor activation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men.
- Androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives prostate cancer progression.
- Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) persists despite low testosterone levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review abiraterone acetate for CRPC management.
- To summarize its rationale, mechanism, and clinical data.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on abiraterone acetate.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for CRPC patients.
Main Results:
- Abiraterone acetate is an oral, well-tolerated drug.
- It targets continued AR activation in CRPC.
- Approved for CRPC patients post-docetaxel.
Conclusions:
- Abiraterone acetate represents a new paradigm in CRPC treatment.
- It is effective in both pre- and post-chemotherapy settings.
- Further research is needed for therapy optimization.
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