Androgens and prevention of prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This review provides a description of recent insights into the role of androgens in prostate cancer prevention.


RESULTS
Many studies have elucidated a variety of molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer with many directly or indirectly related to the androgen signaling pathway. Both well known and novel agents for targeting the androgen pathway are under investigation, though very few are in clinical trials. After a review of recent papers describing these mechanisms, their results and implications were summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
Finasteride remains the only agent proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, though there are currently two other ongoing phase III trials with vitamin E, selenium, and dutasteride. An enhanced understanding of complex interactions with the androgen pathways is leading to the exploration of additional promising approaches to mitigating the risk of prostate cancer.
Sarvis
Jamey A
JA
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA.
Thompson
Ian M
IM
D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001378:Azasteroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068538:Dutasteride; D018120:Finasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012643:Selenium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D001378:Azasteroids; D014810:Vitamin E; D018120:Finasteride; D012643:Selenium; D000068538:Dutasteride