[Mechanism of loss of androgen dependency in androgen-dependent tumor]

Abstract

Human prostatic cancer is androgen sensitive tumor but gradually loses its androgen sensitivity during progression. Amount of androgen receptors usually correlates with androgen sensitivity. Mutation of androgen receptor gene is attributable to be one reason for androgen insensitivity. Alternatively, it is shown that a murine androgen insensitive tumor derived from androgen dependent one possesses functional androgen receptors without structural abnormality. A series of gene mutation, especially with relation to genes encoding growth factors, may be an important change for progression from androgen sensitive tumor to insensitive one.