Molecular and cellular biology of prostate cancer - the role of apoptosis as a target for therapy

Despite the high incidence and mortality rate of prostate cancer, the molec ular mechanisms underlying the progression of the disease remain to be full y elucidated. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on prostati c carcinogenesis, focusing not only on the molecular genetics of prostate c ancer, but also on the role of oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, and grow th factors. The remarkable ability of prostate cancer cells to survive andr ogen withdrawal and apoptosis are discussed, with particular emphasis on ho w apoptosis may be manipulated from a therapeutic viewpoint.