Loss and revival of androgen receptor signaling in advanced prostate cancer

Oncogene. 2021 Feb;40(7):1205-1216. doi: 10.1038/s41388-020-01598-0. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Abstract

Targeting the androgen receptor (AR) signaling axis has been, over decades, the mainstay of prostate cancer therapy. More potent inhibitors of androgen synthesis and antiandrogens have emerged and have been successfully implemented in clinical practice. That said, the stronger inhibition of the AR signaling axis has led in recent years to an increase of prostate cancers that de-differentiate into AR-negative disease. Unfortunately, this process is intimately linked with a poor prognosis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that enable cancer cells to switch from an AR-positive to an AR-negative disease and efforts to prevent/revert this process and thereby maintain/restore AR-dependence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / biosynthesis
  • Androgens / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostate / metabolism
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Receptors, Androgen