Inhibition of P450 17 as a New Strategy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzyme system is involved in the synthesis and/or degradation of a large number of endogenous compounds and in the biotransformation of drugs and other xenobiotics. 17α-Hydroxylase-C17,20-lyase (P450 17, CYP 17) is the key enzyme of the androgen biosynthesis. As androgens have been implicated in the development and progression of prostate cancer, this enzyme has become a promising therapeutic target. This paper will review the possible approaches dealing with P450 17 inhibition as a chemotherapeutic strategy in the struggle against prostate cancer.