Posted 4/23/2014 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
They don't like to use the term "hormone resistant" anymore. Instead, they prefer the term "castration resistant" or CRPC. This reflects the fact that the cancer continues to grow in spite of chemical (e.g., Lupron, Firmagon) or physical castration cutting off the testicular supply of testosterone. It has been recognized that it is important to continue choking off that supply even though CRPC has set in because the tumor becomes exquisitely sensitive to even the tiniest amounts of androgen. In addition, second-line hormonal agents are brought in to help prevent other sources of androgens (e.g., adrenal, intratumoral) and to block the tumor from activation by androgens and similar molecules.
- Allen