Drug Used in Prostate Cancer Therapy: An Overview

Globally, Prostate Cancer (PC) is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Androgenic hormones (Testosterone and 5-Dihydrotestosterone) and their overexpression are key factors in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. The survival rate and life-threatening condition of PC patients have improved dramatically in recent years due to the use of drugs. The food and drug administration (FDA) or other government agencies of the country approved several drugs for the treatment of PC, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Goserelin), gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (Abarelix), androgen synthesis inhibitors (Abiraterone acetate), steroidal anti-androgens (Cyproterone acetate), and non-steroidal anti-androgens (Flutamide, Nilutamide, Enzalutamide). Abiraterone acetate has a good oral bioavailability, inhibit androgen receptor (AR), and shows great benefit in treating locally advanced prostate cancer and metastasis-hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Docetaxel and other derivatives of taxanes are also effective in the treatment of mHSPC. The second-generation AR blockers Enzalutamide, Apalutamide, and Darolutamide are also in clinical trials as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors and DNA damage repair inhibitors. Physicians can select targeted therapies tailored to a patient's needs based on PC treatment therapy, tumor expression and mutation status.