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Updated: May 15, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Androgen receptor antagonists in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Dana Rathkopf1, Howard I Scher
1Genitourinary Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Persistent androgen receptor (AR) signaling despite low levels of serum androgens has been identified as a critical target for drug discovery in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). As proof of principle that the AR remains relevant in CRPC, 2 AR-targeted agents recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration-abiraterone and enzalutamide-have increased overall survival for patients with CRPC in the setting of prior chemotherapy. This review focuses on the AR and 2 direct antagonists, enzalutamide and ARN-509. These next-generation AR antagonists offer great promise for patients with advanced disease. Relative to conventional antiandrogens such as bicalutamide, they bind to the receptor with higher affinity, prevent nuclear translocation and DNA binding, and induce apoptosis without agonist activity in preclinical models. The success of these AR-targeted agents in the clinic has changed the landscape of therapy for patients with CRPC, and further therapeutic options building on this platform are currently in development.
Insights
New androgen receptor (AR) antagonists like enzalutamide show promise for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treatment. These drugs target persistent AR signaling, improving survival in advanced prostate cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Persistent androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a key challenge in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
- AR remains a relevant therapeutic target in CRPC, as evidenced by FDA-approved agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in CRPC.
- To discuss next-generation AR antagonists, specifically enzalutamide and ARN-509, for advanced prostate cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on AR signaling in CRPC.
- Comparison of next-generation AR antagonists (enzalutamide, ARN-509) with conventional antiandrogens (bicalutamide).
- Analysis of preclinical data on AR antagonist efficacy, including binding affinity, nuclear translocation inhibition, DNA binding prevention, and apoptosis induction.
Main Results:
- Enzalutamide and ARN-509 demonstrate higher affinity binding to the AR compared to bicalutamide.
- These agents effectively inhibit AR nuclear translocation and DNA binding.
- Preclinical models show these antagonists induce apoptosis without agonist activity.
Conclusions:
- Next-generation AR antagonists offer significant promise for patients with advanced CRPC.
- The clinical success of these agents has transformed CRPC therapy.
- Ongoing development aims to build upon this therapeutic platform for future treatment options.
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