Androgen receptor pathway in prostate cancer: Old target and new drugs

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, and the second leading cause of death from cancer, in males in most Western countries. Prostate cancer has an exquisite sensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy and is the most endocrine-sensitive solid neoplasm, although the disease may eventually progress to the castration-resistant status (CRPC). However, recent evidence was provided that the cancer progression at the CRPC stage is often mediated by androgen receptor signaling, so that subsequent androgen receptor targeting may further contribute to disease control and eventually survival improvement. Several novel agents targeting the androgen receptor signaling are currently being evaluated including Abiraterone, MDV-3100, orteronel (TAK-700), and other compounds currently in early development.