Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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DEVELOPMENTS IN PROSTATE CANCER THERAPY: FROM THE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR TO ANTIANDROGENS AND BEYOND

IULIAN PRUTIANU 1, IRINA DRAGA CĂRUNTU 1*, MARIANA BIANCA MANOLE 1, SIMONA
ELIZA GIUȘCĂ 1, BIANCA PROFIRE 1, ANDREI DANIEL TIMOFTE 1, LENUȚA PROFIRE 2,
BOGDAN GAFTON 3

1Department Morpho-Functional Sciences I - Histology, Pathology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
2Department Pharmaceutical Sciences I - Pharmaceutical Chemistry, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania
3Department Medical III - Medical Oncology - Radiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Romania

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Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men. The androgenic receptor (AR) is the main therapeutic target for this type of cancer, hormone therapy being the cornerstone of patient management, despite resistance developing over time in some cases. The scientific concern and practical necessity for more effective therapies have led to the introduction of novel drug classes, including new taxanes, PARP inhibitors and immunotherapeutic agents. Studies regarding the complex mechanisms of action which account for the therapeutic effects of these drugs are supported by clinical trials which confirm the optimization of survival parameters. The present article summarizes current diagnostic and therapeutic trends in prostate cancer treatment; it is organized in distinct sections aimed at: (i) the evolution of different concepts and approaches in the histopathological classification, (ii) the structure and function of the androgenic receptor and its truncated variant 7, considered a clear indicator of the lack of response to hormone treatment, (iii) the therapeutic principles in both localized and locally advanced prostate cancer, (iv) the innovative strategies in treating castration-resistant and metastatic prostate cancer. Reviewing these recent and complex aspects generates a meaningful insight regarding the advancements in patient-tailored diagnosis and therapy, aimed at individualized treatment that reconciles both the biological profile and the subjective choices of the patient.