Polyamine metabolism in prostate cancer

Purpose of review Normal and malignant prostate engage in high rates of de novo polyamine synthesis. This review considers how polyamine metabolism regulates prostate cancer initiation and progression. Recent findings The androgen receptor (AR) establishes a metabolic program to drive robust polyamine synthesis in the normal prostate. Upon malignant transformation, this AR-driven metabolic program persists and is optimized for oncogenesis by the proto-oncogene MYC and/or alterations to PI3K signaling. A deeper understanding of the function of polyamines in prostate cancer may be obtained by considering their function in the normal prostate. Summary Recent findings support ongoing research into the role of polyamines in driving prostate cancer initiation and progression and suggest targeting polyamine metabolism remains a promising therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.