Key targets of hormonal treatment of prostate cancer. Part 1: the androgen receptor and steroidogenic pathways.
OBJECTIVE
Knowledge of the molecular and cellular changes that occur during the transition of hormone-naïve to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is increasing rapidly. This might provide a window of opportunity for (future) drug development, and for treating patients with these potential devastating states of disease. The objective of this review is to provide an understanding of the mechanisms that prostate cancer cells use to bypass androgen-deprived conditions.


METHODS
We searched PubMed for experimental and clinical studies that describe the molecular changes that lead to CRPC.


RESULTS
CRPC remains dependent on a functional androgen receptor (AR), AR-mediated processes, and on the availability of intraprostatic intracellular androgens. CRPCs might acquire different (molecular) mechanisms that enable them to use intracellular androgens more efficiently (AR amplification, AR protein overexpression, AR hypersensitivity), use alternative splice variants of the AR protein to mediate androgen-independent AR functioning, and have altered co-activator and co-repressor gene and protein expression. Furthermore, CRPCs might have the ability to synthesise androgens de novo from available precursors through a renewed and up-regulated synthesis of steroid-hormone converting enzymes. Blocking of enzymes key to de novo androgen synthesis could be an alternative means to treat patients with advanced and/or metastatic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
In CRPC, prostate cancer cells still rely on intracellular androgens and on an active AR for growth and survival. CRPCs have gained mechanisms that enable them to use steroids from the circulation more efficiently through altered gene expression, and through a renewed and up-regulated synthesis of steroid hormone-converting enzymes. Additionally, CRPCs might synthesise AR isoforms that enable AR mediated processes independent from available androgens.
Vis
André N
AN
Department of Urology, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.vis@vumc.nl
Schröder
Fritz H
FH
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009919:Orchiectomy; D011467:Prostate / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
C410798:AR protein, human; D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D000728:Androgens; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C436317:RBM14 protein, human; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013256:Steroids; D013739:Testosterone