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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Practical guide to the use of abiraterone in castration resistant prostate cancer
Elahe A Mostaghel1, Daniel W Lin
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Introduction:
While androgen deprivation therapy remains the primary treatment modality for patients with metastatic prostate cancer, treatment is uniformly marked by progression to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Abiraterone is the first new drug to enter clinical practice in a series of novel agents designed to potently target adrenal and tumor androgen production.
Materials And Methods:
Herein, we review the mechanism of action of abiraterone and the phase III data supporting its approval for patients with metastatic CRPC. We discuss practical treatment considerations, including the incidence and management of side effect and monitoring requirements, and conclude by discussing future directions in the use of abiraterone, including early data supporting an expanded role for abiraterone in castration sensitive disease.
Results:
Accumulating data emphasize that "androgen independent" or "hormone refractory" tumors remain sensitive to hormonal activation and suggest that despite suppression of circulating testosterone (T), residual tumor androgens play a prominent role in mediating CRPC progression.
Conclusions:
Accordingly, therapeutic strategies such abiraterone that more effectively target production of intratumoral androgens are necessary.
Insights
Abiraterone effectively targets prostate cancer's androgen production, offering a new treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This novel agent shows promise in managing CRPC progression by inhibiting residual tumor androgens.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Androgen deprivation therapy is standard for metastatic prostate cancer.
- Progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is common.
- Abiraterone targets adrenal and tumor androgen production.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review abiraterone's mechanism of action.
- Summarize phase III data for metastatic CRPC approval.
- Discuss clinical considerations and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of mechanism of action.
- Analysis of phase III clinical trial data.
- Discussion of treatment considerations and side effect management.
Main Results:
- CRPC remains sensitive to hormonal activation.
- Intratumoral androgens drive CRPC progression despite testosterone suppression.
- Abiraterone targets residual tumor androgen production.
Conclusions:
- Abiraterone is a novel agent for CRPC.
- Targeting intratumoral androgens is crucial for CRPC management.
- Abiraterone shows potential in castration-sensitive disease.
