Recent discoveries and developments of androgen receptor based therapy for prostate cancer

Abstract

The main focus of this review is to discuss the discoveries and developments of various therapies for prostate cancer. The AR has played an important role in prostate cancer growth and functions. This review discusses several groups of drugs that have sparingly good anti-cancer activities, as well as a similar structure and behaviour. A recent new-generation AR antagonist, Enzalutamide (MDV3100), has been approved for the treatment of advanced/metastatic prostate cancer. Nonsteroidal antiandrogens represent an important class of molecules acting as either antagonists or agonists. Recently, many therapeutic agents for prostate cancer that target the androgen receptor and reduce prostate tumour growth have been approved. The strong response to this new use of Enzalutamide provides a viable, less toxic alternative to chemotherapy. The current status of prostate cancer drugs are discussed here, but it is evident that considerably more work is needed for improvements in respect to efficacy, reduction of the side effects and treatment strategies.