Molecular basis of co-targeting prostate tumor and stroma

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Northern American men. The lethal phenotypes of human prostate cancer are characterized by progression to androgen-independence (Al) and a propensity to form osseous metastases. In approximately 80% of cases, prostate cancer colonizes bone and elicits a characteristic osteoblastic reaction. The bone metastases are initially sensitive to androgen deprivation treatments, but with time the cancer will eventually progress into an Al stage for which there is currently no effective treatment. Once initial hormonal therapy has failed, median survival of prostate cancer patients with bone metastases is less than 1 year (Tu et al. [2001] Lancet 357:336-341). Novel therapeutic and preventive strategies are needed to decrease morbidity and mortality of this disease.