Androgen receptor signalling in non-prostatic malignancies: challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway is crucial in prostate cancer, with androgen deprivation therapy as standard care.
• AR is also expressed and functional in non-prostate cancers, yet its therapeutic potential is less explored.
• Androgen levels influence cancer's sexual dimorphism, and AR targeting may offer broader benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of AR in non-prostate cancers.
• To summarize ongoing clinical trials targeting AR in various cancer types.
• To highlight the translational potential of AR-directed therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of AR function in non-prostate cancers.
• Summary of current AR-directed clinical trials.
• Analysis of AR's bimodal function and impact on the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

• AR is functional in various non-prostate cancers, suggesting broader therapeutic applicability.
• Targeting AR may benefit both male and female patients and help overcome resistance to therapies.
• AR signaling exhibits a bimodal function, suppressing early-stage cancer development.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the AR pathway holds significant translational potential for non-prostate cancers.
• Further research is needed to elucidate AR's mechanisms and identify patient populations for AR-directed therapies.
• AR-directed manipulation of immune cells presents a promising strategy for diverse cancer types.