Prostate cancer

摘要

The field of prostate cancer treatment and research is finally growing up after many years as the orphan child in oncology. It is sobering to reflect that the first Therapeutic Goods Administration approval of a cytotoxic therapy for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, docetaxel, occurred less than 10 years ago. No further improvements in the treatment of this condition occurred until the last two to three years. Since then, several new treatments targeting various aspects of prostate cancer biology have shown clinical benefit, including improved survival, and are now entering clinical practice. All of these advances have been made on the basis of better understanding of the unique biology of prostate cancer and its interaction with host tissues and systems. For example, the pivotal role of ongoing signaling through the androgen receptor axis, even in the setting of apparent resistance to manipulation of this pathway, has led to rethinking of long-held dogmas and the development of effective new therapies. Significant advances have also been made in surgical and radiation techniques, and in imaging, that are expected to lead to improved outcomes.