Androgen Action in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer represents a major health problem in men worldwide. Androgens are required for the growth and maintenance of the prostate. Androgens act by binding to the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear receptor transcription factor present in the prostate tissues. Most prostate tumors also retain their androgen dependence; therefore, androgen ablation is usually the preferred initial therapeutic approach for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer patients. This review summarizes the current information regarding the role of androgens in prostate cancer.