Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of male cancer-related death in the United States. Although the incidence of the disease increases with age, and depends greatly on race and location, family history remains a consistent and important risk factor in its development, suggesting that genetic predisposition and environmental factors are the major causes of the malignancy. However, changes in sex hormone levels, as a result of the aging process, is today regarded as the most likely etiological factor responsible for prostate cancer development. Despite recent progress made in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with prostate cancer, the malignancy remains incurable. Over the years, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the standard treatment for prostate cancer patients; however, disease progression to androgen-independent state often develops. Moreover, other hormonal therapies and chemotherapeutic agents which provide palliative benefits to the patients are frequently associated with adverse effects that can impair quality of life. To prevent or cure prostate cancer, and improve the quality of life of patients, a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease is required.