Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The review examines recent advances in second-line hormonal therapy for the treatment of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent data highlight the continued importance of androgen signaling in CRPC. These findings have spurred the development of novel inhibitors of adrenal and intra-tumoral androgen synthesis and novel androgen signaling inhibitors with activity in CRPC. In the past year abiraterone acetate, a CYP17 (17α-hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase) inhibitor, received US FDA approval for use in the treatment of metastatic CRPC in patients previously treated with docetaxel. Additionally, the novel androgen signaling inhibitor MDV3100 has been reported to confer a survival advantage compared to placebo in the same patient population. Here we review the scientific rationale for targeting androgen signaling in CRPC and the recent pivotal trials that support the use of novel second-line hormonal therapies. Additionally, we summarize ongoing preclinical and clinical efforts to ascertain and overcome mechanisms of resistance.
SUMMARY
Novel inhibitors of extra-gonadal androgen synthesis and androgen receptor function demonstrate the continued importance of androgen signaling in CRPC. These agents have improved clinical outcomes for patients with metastatic CRPC.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Courtney KD, Taplin ME

Institution

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

Source

Current opinion in oncology 24:3 2012 May pg 272-7

MeSH

Androgen Antagonists
Androgens
Androstadienes
Androstenols
Antineoplastic Agents
Benzimidazoles
Clinical Trials as Topic
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
Humans
Male
Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent
Phenylthiohydantoin
Prostatic Neoplasms
Receptors, Androgen
Signal Transduction
Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
Thiohydantoins

Pub Type(s)

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

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22327837