Figure 2.

Schematic illustration of androgens/AR interaction, intracellular pathway, and molecular targets of androgen deprivation therapies (ADT). One important group of ADT drugs are the LHRH analogs. They reduce the release of LH, which promotes TST production by the testis. The other important groups are the anti-androgens, either involved in blocking androgens at the synthesis level or involved in interfering with androgen/AR binding (AR blockers). LH, luteinizing hormone; LHRH, LH releasing hormone; DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone; AD, androstenedione; TST, testosterone; DHT, dihydrotestosterone; A, androgens; AR, androgen receptor.