Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 24, 2025

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
07:25

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

13.3K

Boosting anticancer immunotherapy through androgen receptor blockade

Laura Pala1, Tommaso De Pas1, Fabio Conforti1

  • 1Division of Melanoma, Sarcomas, and Rare Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.

Cancer Cell
|May 10, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors show limited success in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Blocking the androgen receptor pathway may enhance immune responses against tumors, improving treatment effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown limited efficacy in treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
  • The tumor microenvironment in CRPC often exhibits immune suppression, hindering effective anti-tumor responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in modulating the anti-tumor immune response in CRPC.
  • To explore the potential of androgen-axis blockade in combination with ICIs for CRPC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed the interaction between the androgen receptor and CD8+ T cell activity.
  • Experimental models were used to assess the impact of androgen-axis blockade on immune responses in CRPC.

Main Results:

  • Androgen receptor signaling was found to negatively regulate the CD8+ T cell-driven anti-tumor immune response.
  • Androgen-axis blockade demonstrated potential in enhancing the anti-tumor immune activity.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the androgen receptor pathway represents a promising strategy to overcome immune evasion in CRPC.
  • Combining androgen-axis blockade with immune checkpoint inhibitors could improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with CRPC.

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