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The Role of Androgens in Prostate Cancer

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Androgen Deficiency and Testosterone Replacement

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

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Abstract

Prostate cancer presents a major health issue as it is the most common non-skin cancer in American males and the second most common cause of cancer- related death in men. The etiology of the disease appears to be multi-factorial and remains poorly understood. However, it is well established that androgens play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis. The beneficial effects of androgen deprivation on prostate cancer were first realized over 70 years ago. Today, it remains the only successful treatment option for advanced prostate cancer. In contrast, the role of androgens in prostate cancer development and progression remains controversial. Evidence from epidemiologic studies of associations with serum androgens and the risk of prostate cancer is conflicting and inconclusive. Upon closer review, the available evidence does not support the traditional assertion that high testosterone level increase the risk of developing prostate cancer or cause it to progress. This chapter reviews the mechanisms of androgen production and action on the prostate and considers the historical and recent evidence regarding the role of androgens in prostate cancer.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Frances Alba MD & Claudio A. Romero MD

  2. Department of Urology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 6.018, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Run Wang MD, FACS

Authors
  1. Frances Alba MD
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  2. Claudio A. Romero MD
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  3. Run Wang MD, FACS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Run Wang MD, FACS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Urology, Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave. SL-42, New Orleans, 70112, Louisiana, USA

    Wayne J.G. Hellstrom

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Alba, F., Romero, C.A., Wang, R. (2013). The Role of Androgens in Prostate Cancer. In: Hellstrom, W. (eds) Androgen Deficiency and Testosterone Replacement. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-179-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-179-0_6

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-178-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-179-0

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