Androgens and prostate cancer: We are still (almost) completely ignorant

摘要

The truth is that we are still almost completely ignorant about androgens and prostate cancer (PCa). If we had more robust knowledge of this delicate interrelationship, we could avoid groping in the darkness of assumptions and attempts. Researchers still have much to learn in terms of preclinical, clinical, and, especially, translational science. And endocrine oncology is certainly a fascinating field. One may wonder why such strong statements are used. In my humble opinion, PCa is an example of the fact that several aspects of endocrine, paracrine, and intracrine functions and behaviors of sex steroids may deserve an entire course of study, maybe even a lifetime of study-study of the type and depth that Giacomo Leopardi, a famous Italian poet, described as "crazy and desperate."