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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Anti-androgen hormonal therapy for cancer and other diseases
Sebastian Student1, Tomasz Hejmo2, Aleksandra Poterała-Hejmo1
1Institute of Automatic Control, Silesian University of Technology, 16 Akademicka Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland; Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, 8 Krzywoustego Street, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland.
Abstract:
The development of targeted therapies has been a consistent goal for hormone-related diseases treatment. As a result of increased knowledge of the role of androgens in different diseases, anti-androgen treatment is becoming increasingly important in targeted therapy. Androgens play an important role in different disorders, therefore, androgen receptor signalling is a crucial factor in pathological conditions. The androgen receptor is a transcription factor activated by the testosterone metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone and regulates the expression of genes related to sexual differentiation, growth and survival of prostate cells, and to a certain extent, cancer progression. Herein, we review anti-androgen therapies in cancer and other selected diseases and provide examples where anti-androgen drugs can be used as both main and supportive treatments in the multimodal therapeutic scheme. Even in diseases with low serum levels of testosterone or DHT, anti-androgen therapy plays an important role in new treatments. Therefore, the use of anti-androgens is an appealing strategy in which to overcome resistance to primary treatment by assuring better therapy results. In this review, we take into account both older generation hormonal drugs and the new drug classes. Additionally, we review recent studies that suggest new anti-androgen agents have not entirely replaced some of the old standards.
Insights
Anti-androgen therapies target androgen receptor signaling, crucial in hormone-related diseases like cancer. This review covers older and newer drugs, highlighting their role in overcoming treatment resistance and improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Androgen receptor signaling is vital in hormone-related diseases, including cancer progression.
- Androgens, like testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone, regulate critical cellular functions.
- Targeted anti-androgen therapies are increasingly important for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review anti-androgen therapies for cancer and other selected diseases.
- To explore the use of anti-androgens as primary and supportive treatments.
- To discuss the role of anti-androgens in overcoming treatment resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anti-androgen therapies.
- Analysis of both older and newer classes of anti-androgen drugs.
- Examination of clinical applications and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Anti-androgen drugs are effective as main or supportive treatments in a multimodal approach.
- These therapies are valuable even in conditions with low androgen levels.
- Newer agents complement, but do not entirely replace, established anti-androgen drugs.
Conclusions:
- Anti-androgen therapy is a key strategy for managing hormone-related diseases and overcoming resistance.
- A comprehensive understanding of androgen receptor signaling informs therapeutic development.
- Both traditional and novel anti-androgen agents play significant roles in patient care.
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