Abstract
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in men, frequently exhibiting resistance to conventional anti-androgen therapies. This review investigates the emerging significance of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in prostate cancer, focusing on its role in modulating androgen receptor (AR) signaling and its potential as a therapeutic target. AhR, traditionally known for detoxifying harmful compounds, has been increasingly recognized for its dual capacity to either enhance or inhibit AR activity based on cellular context and specific coactivators. Furthermore, AhR influences tumor progression independently of AR by regulating genes involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis. This narrative review synthesizes current research on AhR's multifaceted roles in prostate cancer, evaluates its potential as a biomarker, and discusses the therapeutic implications of targeting AhR, particularly for hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Our findings underscore the necessity for personalized AhR-targeted therapies and advocate for continued clinical research to fully leverage AhR's therapeutic potential.