Cancer Cell-Extrinsic Roles for the Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer

Endocrinology. 2023 Apr 17;164(6):bqad078. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqad078.

Abstract

Given the central role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cell biology, AR-targeted therapies have been the backbone of prostate cancer treatment for over 50 years. New data indicate that AR is expressed in additional cell types within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, targeting AR for the treatment of prostate cancer has established side effects such as bone complications and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, indicating broader roles for AR. With the advent of novel technologies, such as single-cell approaches and advances in preclinical modeling, AR has been identified to have clinically significant functions in other cell types. In this mini-review, we describe new cancer cell-extrinsic roles for AR within the tumor microenvironment as well as systemic effects that collectively impact prostate cancer progression and patient outcomes.

Keywords: adipose; androgen receptor; bone; cardiovascular; metabolic syndrome; muscle; prostate cancer; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / metabolism
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • AR protein, human