The Role of the Microenvironment in Prostate Cancer: a short review

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.98221180611

• Palavras-chave: Cancro da próstata, microambiente tumoral, fibroblastos tumorais

• Keywords: Prostate cancer; tumor microenvironment; cancer-associated fibroblasts

• Abstract:

  Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common tumor malignancy in men, worldwide. This type of tumor develops from the prostate epithelium composed, predominantly, of luminal cells. However, prostate cancer is no longer a disease of clusters of abnormal proliferating cells, but rather a disease with complex interactions between the epithelial compartment and the surrounding stroma. Indeed, the microenvironment surrounding the tumor holds an essential role in the development of cancer by supporting cell proliferation and inducing tumorigenesis and metastasis. Recent studies suggest that prostate cancer microenvironment is a complex combination of several different cell types and molecules and a contributor to tumor development and progression. This microenvironment includes different cell populations such as endothelial cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most important key players in the prostate microenvironment suggesting also an important role in prostate cancer progression. CAFs are known to support cancer cell survival and growth, recruiting inflammatory and immune cells. They also promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition through the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and sustaining angiogenesis, suggesting a role in metastatic dissemination and aggressiveness. Also, the interplay between epithelial and stromal cells regarding the androgen dependence and consequently the metabolic deregulation of the tumor, plays an important role in prostate cancer. Base on the above, prostate microenvironment can represent a promising therapeutic target. 

  Therefore, this review elucidates the clear importance of the microenvironment that surrounds the prostate tumor, serving as a bridge to cancer progression and development, through a deeper analysis of CAF’s role. 

• Número de páginas: 12