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A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Liver Microenvironment Response to Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Hormonal Therapy
Alison K Buxton1, Salma Abbasova1, Charlotte L Bevan1
1Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer-associated deaths arise from disease progression and metastasis. Metastasis to the liver is associated with the worst clinical outcomes for prostate cancer patients, and these metastatic tumors can be particularly resistant to the currently widely used chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, such as anti-androgens which block androgen synthesis or directly target the androgen receptor. The incidence of liver metastases is reportedly increasing, with a potential correlation with use of anti-androgen therapies. A key player in prostate cancer progression and therapeutic response is the microenvironment of the tumor(s). This is a dynamic and adaptive collection of cells and proteins, which impart signals and stimuli that can alter biological processes within prostate cancer cells. Investigation in the prostate primary site has demonstrated that cells of the microenvironment are also responsive to hormones and hormonal therapies. In this review, we collate information about what happens when cancer moves to the liver: the types of prostate cancer cells that metastasize there, the response of resident mesenchymal cells of the liver, and how the interactions between the cancer cells and the microenvironment may be altered by hormonal therapy.
Insights
Prostate cancer liver metastases are increasingly resistant to therapies. This review explores how the liver microenvironment influences cancer cell behavior and therapeutic resistance, especially with anti-androgen treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Hormone Therapy
Background:
- Prostate cancer deaths are linked to metastasis, particularly to the liver, which presents poor clinical outcomes.
- Liver metastases from prostate cancer exhibit resistance to chemotherapy and hormonal therapies like anti-androgens.
- The tumor microenvironment significantly impacts prostate cancer progression and response to treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the behavior of prostate cancer cells in the liver microenvironment.
- To examine the response of liver mesenchymal cells to metastatic prostate cancer.
- To understand how hormonal therapies alter prostate cancer-liver microenvironment interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and collation of existing research.
- Analysis of prostate cancer cell types that metastasize to the liver.
- Investigation of interactions between cancer cells and the liver microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer liver metastases are increasingly resistant to current therapies.
- Anti-androgen therapies may correlate with increased incidence of liver metastases.
- The liver microenvironment plays a crucial role in modulating cancer cell behavior and therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding prostate cancer cell and liver microenvironment interactions is vital for improving treatment outcomes.
- Hormonal therapies can alter the tumor microenvironment, potentially impacting metastatic disease.
- Further research into the liver microenvironment's role in prostate cancer metastasis is warranted.
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