Design, synthesis, and applications of diagnostics and therapeutics for prostate cancer

Abstract

The term “prostate,” derived from the Greek word “prohistani”, meaning “to stand in front of” is used to describe the gland positioned in front of the urinary bladder [1]. It is a reproductive organ found in males whose chief function is to secrete fluid, which along with sperm cells and other secretions, constitutes the semen. During ejaculation, this seminal fluid is propelled into the urethra by the prostate gland's muscles. Three of the major diseases of the prostate are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa), and prostatitis [2]. Cancer is described as the unregulated growth of cells and their subsequent spread to various other organs in the body. This transformation of cells from normal to malignant can occur in any kind of cell in the body. During this process, the normal cell cycle is disrupted and transformed cancerous cells proliferate first in a localized region, later spread to surrounding tissues, and at a much later stage, to distal organs in the body via the lymphatic system and vascular system [3]. The uncontrolled cell division is triggered by mutations in normal cells' genetic material and disrupts the balance between proliferation and apoptosis [4]. The resulting mass can either be benign and localized or malignant and invasive, which then metastasizes to other tissues, organs, and distant locations [5]. PCa is defined by the uncontrollable proliferation of the cells of the prostate gland. Since this cancer arises in the prostate gland, it falls into adenocarcinoma, representing 98% of all PCa.