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Updated: Jul 30, 2025

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Cancer Cell-Extrinsic Roles for the Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer
Andrew W Hahn1, Bilal A Siddiqui1, Javier Leo2,3
1Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Given the central role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cell biology, AR-targeted therapies have been the backbone of prostate cancer treatment for over 50 years. New data indicate that AR is expressed in additional cell types within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, targeting AR for the treatment of prostate cancer has established side effects such as bone complications and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, indicating broader roles for AR. With the advent of novel technologies, such as single-cell approaches and advances in preclinical modeling, AR has been identified to have clinically significant functions in other cell types. In this mini-review, we describe new cancer cell-extrinsic roles for AR within the tumor microenvironment as well as systemic effects that collectively impact prostate cancer progression and patient outcomes.
Insights
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in prostate cancer, with new research revealing its function beyond cancer cells. Understanding these broader AR roles is crucial for improving prostate cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The androgen receptor (AR) is a critical target in prostate cancer therapy for over 50 years.
- Emerging evidence suggests AR expression and function extend to non-cancerous cells within the tumor microenvironment and systemically.
- Established side effects of AR-targeted therapies, like bone complications and cardiometabolic disease, hint at broader physiological roles for AR.
Conclusions:
- The androgen receptor (AR) exerts critical functions both within prostate cancer cells and in other cell types.
- Understanding AR's broader roles in the tumor microenvironment and systemically is essential for developing more effective and safer prostate cancer treatments.
- Future research should explore these non-canonical AR functions to improve therapeutic strategies and patient management.
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