The androgen receptor and signal-transduction pathways in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Part 2: androgen-receptor cofactors and bypass pathways.

The article focuses on the androgen receptor and signal-transduction pathways in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. According to the authors, treatment for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer has relied on androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for the past 50 years. At present, few treatment options offer effective relief for patients who develop resistance to ADT. Here the authors describe described how prostate cancer growth is stimulated in response to androgens, and consequently how ADT acts to combat this. They also explain how modifications to the androgen receptor (AR) via mutations, amplification and phosphorylation may affect the development of androgen escape.