Molecular targets for radiation oncology in prostate cancer

• Main Authors: Tao eWang, Lucia R Languino, Jane eLian, Gary eStein, Michael eBlute, Thomas J FitzGerald
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2011-07-01
• Series: Frontiers in Oncology
• Subjects: Apoptosis; DNA Methylation; Radiation; AR; ECM/integrin; PrCa
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fonc.2011.00017/full

Recent selected development of the molecular science of Prostate cancer (PrCa) biology and radiation oncology is reviewed. We present potential targets for molecular integration treatment strategies with radiation therapy (RT), and highlight potential strategies for molecular treatment in combination with RT for patient care. We provide a synopsis of the information to date regarding molecular biology of PrCa, and potential integrated research strategy for improved treatment of PrCa. Many patients with early stage disease at presentation can be treated effectively with androgen ablation treatment, surgery or RT. However, a significant portion of men are diagnosed with advanced stage/high risk disease and these patients progress despite curative therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, management options for these patients are limited and are not always successful including treatment for hormone refractory (HR) disease. In this review, we focus on molecules of extracellular matrix component, apoptosis, androgen receptor, RUNX and DNA methylation. Expanding our knowledge of the molecular biology of prostate cancer will permit the development of novel treatment strategies integrated with radiation therapy to improve patient outcome