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Updated: Jul 24, 2025

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Targeting the Androgen Signaling Axis in Prostate Cancer
Charles Dai1,2,3, Scott M Dehm4,5,6, Nima Sharifi7,8,9,10,11
1Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA.
Abstract:
Activation of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-driven transcriptional programs is central to the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. Despite successful translational efforts in targeting AR, therapeutic resistance often occurs as a result of molecular alterations in the androgen signaling axis. The efficacy of next-generation AR-directed therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer has provided crucial clinical validation for the continued dependence on AR signaling and introduced a range of new treatment options for men with both castration-resistant and castration-sensitive disease. Despite this, however, metastatic prostate cancer largely remains an incurable disease, highlighting the need to better understand the diverse mechanisms by which tumors thwart AR-directed therapies, which may inform new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we revisit concepts in AR signaling and current understandings of AR signaling-dependent resistance mechanisms as well as the next frontier of AR targeting in prostate cancer.
Insights
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives prostate cancer, but resistance emerges. This review explores AR targeting, resistance mechanisms, and future therapeutic strategies for metastatic prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is fundamental to prostate cancer development and progression.
- Therapeutic resistance to AR-directed therapies is a significant clinical challenge.
- Next-generation therapies validate AR signaling's continued importance in both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of AR signaling in prostate cancer.
- To discuss mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to AR-targeted treatments.
- To explore emerging strategies for AR targeting in advanced prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of AR signaling pathways.
- Analysis of molecular alterations driving resistance.
- Discussion of current and future AR-directed therapies.
Main Results:
- AR signaling remains crucial even with resistance, necessitating continued targeting.
- Diverse resistance mechanisms exist, involving alterations in the androgen signaling axis.
- New therapeutic options offer promise but do not fully overcome resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding AR signaling and resistance is key to improving outcomes.
- Further research into resistance mechanisms will inform novel therapeutic approaches.
- Continued innovation in AR-targeting strategies is essential for treating metastatic prostate cancer.
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