What is the Origin of Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer?

The term originates directly from the clinical observation that the tumor has developed a resistance to "castration," referring to the pharmacological or surgical elimination of testicular androgen production. This clinical definition precisely highlights the disease's profound biological adaptation to an extremely low-androgen environment, necessitating a change in therapeutic strategy.

What is the Mechanism of Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer?

The underlying resistance mechanism is highly complex and multifaceted, frequently involving the cancer cells developing genetic mutations or significantly up-regulating the androgen receptor (AR). This adaptation allows the malignant cells to utilize trace amounts of residual androgens or even non-androgen hormones, such as glucocorticoids, for growth signaling. In some aggressive cases, tumor cells may acquire the ability to synthesize their own androgens de novo, completely bypassing the systemic hormonal block and maintaining the proliferative signaling pathway.

Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer ∞ Area

Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Meaning

Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) is a specific, highly advanced stage of prostate cancer where the malignant cells demonstrate the capacity to continue proliferating and spreading despite the patient’s systemic testosterone levels being reduced to castration levels. This condition indicates that the initial standard treatment of androgen deprivation therapy, which aims to starve the cancer of androgens, has become clinically ineffective. CRPC represents a significant and complex challenge in male oncology and the management of hormonal malignancies.