Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that regulates the maturation, activation and stability of critical signaling proteins that drive the development and progression of prostate cancer, including the androgen receptor.
Despite robust preclinical data demonstrating anti-tumor activity of first-generation Hsp90 inhibitors in prostate cancer, poor clinical responses initially cast doubt over the clinical utility of this class of agent. Recent advances in compound design and development, use of novel preclinical models and further biological insights into Hsp90 structure and function have now stimulated a resurgence in enthusiasm for these drugs as a therapeutic option. This review highlights how the development of new-generation Hsp90 inhibitors with improved physical and pharmacological properties is unfolding, and discusses the potential contexts for their use either as single agents or in combination, for men with metastatic prostate cancer.
Written by:
Centenera MM, Fitzpatrick AK, Tilley WD, Butler LM. Are you the author?
Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories and Adelaide Prostate Cancer Research Centre, University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
Reference: Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012 Dec 31;1835(2):211-218(Epub ahead of print)
doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.12.005
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23287571
