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Androgen Metabolism and Response in Prostate Cancer Anti-Androgen Therapy Resistance

Haozhe Zhang1, Yi Zhou1, Zengzhen Xing1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Prostate cancer progression hinges on androgen levels and the androgen receptor (AR). Understanding androgen metabolism is key to overcoming drug resistance in prostate cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Prostate cancer evolution is intrinsically linked to androgen levels and androgen receptor (AR) signaling.
  • Current treatments for prostate cancer, including castration-sensitive (CSPC) and castration-resistant (CRPC) stages, primarily target androgen metabolism and AR pathways.
  • Dysregulation of androgen metabolism and AR response is a primary driver of therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of androgen metabolism.
  • To elucidate the synthesis, consumption, and response mechanisms of androgens in both healthy individuals and prostate cancer patients.
  • To discuss how alterations in androgen metabolism contribute to resistance against anti-androgen therapies.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on androgen metabolism and prostate cancer.
  • Literature search and analysis of studies focusing on androgen synthesis, degradation, and receptor signaling.
  • Examination of data linking metabolic alterations to therapeutic outcomes in prostate cancer.

Main Results:

  • Androgen synthesis, metabolism, and AR signaling are critical throughout prostate cancer development and progression.
  • Altered androgen metabolism pathways are frequently observed in prostate cancer, particularly in resistant forms.
  • These metabolic changes can lead to sustained AR activation despite therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the intricate details of androgen metabolism is essential for developing effective prostate cancer treatments.
  • Targeting specific metabolic pathways may offer novel strategies to overcome or prevent anti-androgen therapy resistance.
  • Further research into androgen metabolism holds promise for improving patient outcomes in prostate cancer.
Keywords:
androgen metabolismandrogen receptoranti-androgen therapy

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