Molecular Drivers of Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy Resistance

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. PCa is a result of alterations in genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as inter- and intra-cellular signaling pathways. Such alterations lead to dysregulation of complex physiological pathways regulating normal cellular processes, growth, and development, resulting in carcinogenesis. Therefore, identification of molecular drivers and development of therapeutic approaches to target them is an important aspect of managing PCa.

Identification of master drivers and development of therapeutic strategies to target them in an effective and efficient way is an unmet need. A series of complex cellular events take place from development of prostate cancer; invasion; migration, anti-androgen resistance; metastasis; neuroendocrine differentiation. These events are driven by complex signaling networks. However, current therapies targeting these known molecules and pathways have not resulted in drastic changes. It is clear that our current understanding is still lacking. This research topic wishes to collate recent discoveries and advances in the field to drive conversation and attention on the broad subjects of prostate cancer and its resistance to current therapies.

All types of articles (original research, review, methodology, etc.) will be considered. Whilst the scope broadly covers aspects of prostate cancer oncogenesis/therapy resistance, some examples of interesting areas include:
- The use of -omics technologies to identify diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers
- The mechanisms of action of current therapies; how they work and why they are less effective than originally hoped
- Signaling pathways active in all stages of PCa, including those in the tumor microenvironment