Are androgen receptor agonists a treatment option in bladder cancer?

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2025 Jan:245:106623. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106623. Epub 2024 Sep 19.

Abstract

Sex-related differences in bladder cancer incidence and progression infer a role for sex hormones and their cognate receptors in this disease. In part due to the oncogenic role of androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer, the focus of most preclinical and clinical research to-date has been on the potential pro-tumorigenic action of androgens in urothelial cancers. However, clinical studies of androgen receptor antagonism have yielded minimal success. In this review, we explore the tumor suppressor role of androgen receptor in bladder cancer and discuss how it might be harnessed therapeutically.

Keywords: Androgen receptor; Bladder cancer; Sex differences; Steroid hormones.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Receptors, Androgen* / genetics
  • Receptors, Androgen* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Androgens