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.