Targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen for personalized therapies in prostate cancer: morphologic and molecular backgrounds and future promises

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an integral, non-shed membrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed on prostate epithelial cells and strongly upregulated in prostate cancer (PCa). Prostatic neoplastic transformation results in the transfer of PSMA from the apical membrane to the lumina...

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Published inJournal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents Vol. 28; no. 4; p. 555
Main Authors Santoni, M, Scarpelli, M, Mazzucchelli, R, Lopez-Beltran, A, Cheng, L, Cascinu, S, Montironi, R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.10.2014
Subjects
Antigens, Surface - analysis
Antigens, Surface - physiology
Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II - analysis
Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II - antagonists & inhibitors
Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II - physiology
Humans
Male
Precision Medicine
Prostatic Neoplasms - drug therapy
Prostatic Neoplasms - etiology
Prostatic Neoplasms - pathology
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Summary:Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an integral, non-shed membrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed on prostate epithelial cells and strongly upregulated in prostate cancer (PCa). Prostatic neoplastic transformation results in the transfer of PSMA from the apical membrane to the luminal surface of the ducts. However, the role of PSMA in tumor angiogenesis and carcinogenesis is poorly understood. PSMA is characterized by folate hydrolase and carboxypeptidase activity and internalization function, and its levels are directly correlated to androgen independence, metastasis and PCa progression. As largely substantiated by preclinical and clinical findings, PSMA could represent a promising target for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals for PCa imaging. Furthermore, PSMA could prove an important target for the development of new therapeutic approaches, including PSMA-based aptamers, peptides, antibody-drug conjugated therapy, as well as radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This review will summarize the role of PSMA in PCa development and progression and its potential role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with initial and advanced PCa.
ISSN:0393-974X