Endocrine related cancers
Endocrine related cancers are typically thought of as those cancers that respond to sex steroids and pituitary hormones.
This group contains some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and women, yet our understanding of the relevance of genetic traits, physiological interactions and environmental factors on hormone action and endocrine related cancer is still limited.
Here at The University of Nottingham, we have a team of specialist researchers dedicated to the study of endocrine-related neoplasia of the breast, prostate, ovary and testes – as well as hormone dependent tumours in other tissues. Together, they focus on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis to drive improved detection and diagnosis, as well as new treatment developments.
Spotlight project
Tackling advanced prostate cancer
Hormone therapy is the main treatment option for prostate cancers that have spread outside the prostate. The therapy works by blocking testosterone from binding to the androgen receptor – a key driver of prostate cancer growth.
Hormone therapy, while often initially effective, eventually fails and the cancer grows and spreads despite the blockade of testosterone. Our researchers are investigating how the problem of resistance to hormone therapy can be circumvented, as well as the androgen-dependent and independent mechanisms underpinning prostate cancer progression.