Prostate Cancer (PC)
Prostate cancer (PC) is a disease affecting the male population worldwide. Our company, a leading provider of advanced biomedical services, is dedicated to supporting the development of effective drugs and therapies for prostate cancer.
Introduction to Prostate Cancer (PC)
Prostate cancer (PC) is a malignancy that originates in the prostate gland. Globally, it is estimated that there were 1.4 million new cases and 375,000 deaths attributed to prostate cancer in 2020. Located below the bladder and anterior to the rectum, the prostate gland plays a crucial role in the production of seminal fluid, which supports the nourishment and transportation of sperm. In the event of uncontrolled proliferation of prostate cells, a tumor may develop, capable of infiltrating nearby tissues and potentially spreading to distant areas of the body.
Biomarker Development of Prostate Cancer (PC)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
One of the most widely recognized biomarkers used for detecting prostate cancer is known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). When PSA levels are found to be elevated in the bloodstream, it may suggest the presence of prostate cancer.
- Genetic Biomarkers
Genetic biomarkers, such as mutations or alterations in specific genes, can provide valuable information about the risk and progression of prostate cancer. Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
- Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that have detached from the primary tumor and entered the bloodstream. The presence of CTCs in the blood can indicate the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Detecting and analyzing CTCs can provide valuable information.
Fig. 1 Overview of PC research. (Teo, Min Yuen, et al., 2019)Targets of Prostate Cancer (PC) Therapy
Androgen Receptor (AR)
The androgen receptor plays a critical role in prostate cancer progression, as it regulates the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Targeting the androgen receptor pathway has been a successful strategy for treating advanced prostate cancer.
PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway
This signaling pathway is frequently dysregulated in prostate cancer, leading to increased cell survival and proliferation. Inhibitors targeting this pathway have shown promise in prostate cancer studies.
DNA Repair Pathways
Defects in DNA repair pathways, such as those involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Targeting these pathways can enhance the efficacy of therapy and improve outcomes.
Angiogenesis
Prostate tumors rely on the formation of new blood vessels to sustain their growth and metastasis. Inhibiting angiogenesis has been explored as a therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer.
Therapies of Prostate Cancer (PC)
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy aims to reduce the levels of androgens or block their effects on cancer cells. This can be achieved through medications that inhibit androgen synthesis or antagonize the androgen receptor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth, such as docetaxel cabazitaxel, with ADT drugs, such as enzalutamide abiraterone. They are typically used in advanced or metastatic prostate cancer when hormone therapy is no longer effective.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy drugs specifically inhibit molecular targets involved in prostate cancer progression. Examples include AR inhibitors, PI3K-AKT-mTOR inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors for DNA repair pathway defects.
Fig. 2 Timeline of the development of PC therapies. (Varaprasad, G. L., et al., 2023)Our Services
Through the analysis of prostate cancer-related genetic and molecular markers, we provide accurate and reliable diagnostics development services for the detection and identification of prostate cancer.
Therapy Development Platforms
Animal Models of Prostate Cancer (PC)
Our company is at the forefront of developing innovative animal models for prostate cancer research. These models serve as valuable tools for understanding disease biology, testing drug safety, and evaluating therapeutic approaches.
| Transgenic Models | ||
| Our transgenic rat models, such as those expressing the SV40 T antigen under probasin promoter control, provide a unique platform for studying prostate cancer development and progression. These models allow for prostate-specific gene expression and exhibit features such as hyperplasia, PIN, adenocarcinoma, and even neuroendocrine carcinoma. | ||
| Spontaneous Models | ||
| Our company offers canine models of spontaneous prostate cancer. Dogs develop spontaneous and aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which share some similarities with human disease. Despite differences in anatomy and histology, canine prostate tumors can provide insights into advanced castrate-resistant tumors and therapy development. | ||
| Xenograft Models | ||
| Our xenograft models involve the engraftment of human prostate cancer tissues into immunodeficient mice. | ||
| Optional Models |
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| Optional Species | Mouse, Rat, Dog, Others | |
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Varaprasad, Ganji Lakshmi, et al. "Recent advances and future perspectives in the therapeutics of prostate cancer." Experimental Hematology & Oncology 12.1 (2023): 80.
- Teo, Min Yuen, Dana E. Rathkopf, and Philip Kantoff. "Treatment of advanced prostate cancer." Annual review of medicine 70 (2019): 479-499.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.