Animal Models for Prostate Cancer Research: A Mechanistic Outlook on the Challenges and Recent Progress

Abstract

Molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa) still remains poorly understood in human. Difficulties in understanding of prostate oncogenesis and lack of efficient noninvasive therapeutic measures are primary obstacles in PCa management. Among animal models of human prostate cancer, rat, mice, and canine models are mostly used. However, genetic differences of these model animals and anatomical as well as histological differences of their prostate with respect to human make the PCa research quite tricky. Also, stages of disease development from benign to malignant and the progression of malignant tumors to more aggressive forms in these animal models often vary substantially from those seen in human. Therefore, animal models of prostate cancer must be selected carefully with respect to the specific research purpose. In this context, present study aimed to summarize a thorough idea of purpose and efficacy of different animal models suitable for different aspects of prostate cancer research from the published literature. The information may serve as a reference in further research for better understanding of the disease pathogenesis and developing novel as well as effective therapeutic approaches.KeywordsProstate cancerChallengesAnimal modelsOncogenesisCastration resistanceMetastasisPathways