Extensive Alteration of Androgen Precursor Levels After Castration in Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Association With Active Androgen Level Editorial Comment

ADT significantly reduces the levels of 13 circulating steroids. Upon ADT initiation, the backdoor pathway metabolite androsterone are strongly associated with DHT levels. Under CRPC conditions, androstenedione was significantly associated with testosterone levels suggesting the presence of tumor-related circulating androgens in these patients. These results provide further rationale to intensify treatments with androgen receptor axis signalling pathway inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer.