Prostate cancer: genes, environment, immunity and the use of immunotherapy

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2008;11(3):230-6. doi: 10.1038/pcan.2008.3. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent noncutaneous cancer, leading to almost 30,000 deaths every year in men in the United States. A large body of knowledge emphasizes a strong influence of epidemiological factors such as lifestyle, environment and diet, on the development of prostate cancer. Although risk reduction of prostate cancer has been somewhat successful, effective prevention is still lacking. Immunotherapeutic approaches, although moderately complicated, remain promising in an effort to control the progression and development of the disease. Taken together, the parameters of epidemiological studies and immunotherapeutic regimens might eventually be the most effective and preventive approach for prostate cancer. This review highlights some of the events associated with the development and prevention of prostate cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cancer Vaccines / chemical synthesis
  • Disease Progression
  • Environment*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / physiology
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Models, Biological
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9 / agonists

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • TLR9 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9