FROM EMERGING BIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS TO NOVEL TREATMENT STRATEGIES IN PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACT. – Prostate cancer is androgen-dependent in its initial phase. GnRH agonists, through desensitization of pituitary GnRH receptors and subsequent suppression of testosterone secretion, represent the therapy of choice for this pathology. After an ini- tial phase of remission, prostate cancer progresses towards its most aggressive phase of castration-resistance (CRPC). Since conventional chemotherapy treatments (i.e., doc- etaxel) have provided scant benefit, the identification of the molecular mechanisms un- derlying prostate cancer progression will definitely help increase the therapeutic op- tions for this almost incurable pathology. Receptors for GnRH agonists are expressed in CRPC cells and their activation significantly inhibits the proliferative and the metastatic behavior of cancer cells, and interferes with the angiogenic process. These data support the notion that locally expressed GnRH receptors represent an effective molecular target for novel therapeutic strategies for CRPC.