Prostate cancer and new hormonal treatments: mechanism of action and main clinical results

Introduction.-New drugs have recently been developed, through a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the progression of prostate cancer, including castration-resistant ones (CRPC). This article aims to describe the mechanisms of action of these new hormonal treatments and their major clinical outcomes and development programs. Materials and Methods.-A bibliographic research in French and English using Medline and Embase using the keywords "castration-resistant prostate cancer", "abiraterone acetate", "orteronel", "enzalutamide",, and "clinical trials" was performed. Results.-the androgen signaling pathway remains the cornerstone of advanced cancers management. Hence, some molecules target the androgen biosynthesis, as abiraterone acetate and orteronel, which are selective inhibitors of the enzyme CYP17. Others act as antagonists of the androgen receptor: the enzalutamide, RNA-509 and ODM201. Finally, galeterone combines the two effects. Conclusion.-Progress conferred by these molecules in terms of overall survival and quality of life in patients with metastatic CRPC, suggest that their use at earlier stages of the disease could reduce morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer. Determining the best strategy for sequence or combination therapy to optimize the use of these new molecules should be investigated. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.