The Role of the Calcitonin Peptide Family in Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study is to highlight recent discoveries associated with the role of calcitonin peptide family and their receptors in prostate cancer progression and bone metastasis. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have linked adrenomedullin (AM), calcitonin (CT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to the spread of prostate tumours to the bone. AM can induce a metastatic phenotype in prostate cancer cells through its action on TRPV2 calcium channels and is also capable of influencing localised levels of RANKL in the bone to favour tumourigenesis. CT utilises A-kinase anchoring proteins to indirectly act on PKA and promote metastasis in prostate cancer. The receptor for CT contains a PDZ-binding domain, the deletion of which stops metastasis to the bone in orthotopic prostate models. SUMMARY: Recent findings show strong evidence for the role of calcitonin peptides and receptors in prostate cancer and bone metastasis. Further research could provide potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for prostate cancer patients.