MOLECULAR and CELLULAR BIOLOGY OF THE DISEASE PROGRESSION

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major problem of health, and it is currently the second most prevalent cancer in men (IARC, WHO). However, its incidence continues to rise due to higher life expectancy and subsequent population ageing. The association of surgery, radiation treatments and androgen ablation are effective against localized prostate tumors. However, between 15 and 20% of patients with PCa evolve into advanced stages of the disease developing bone and lymph node metastases. There are no effective treatments for these stages, mainly because tumor growth becomes resistant to castration or taxane-based treatments. Therefore, in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the transition from early towards advanced phases of PCa will allow an earlier diagnosis and consequent prevention of metastasis