The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is a member of the largest family of cell surface receptors, the Gprotein-coupled receptors involved in calcium homeostasis. The role of the CaSR in neoplasia appears to behomeostatic; loss of normal CaSR-induced response to extracellular calcium is observed in cancers of the colonand ovary, while increased release of PTHrP is observed in cancers of the breast, prostate and Leydig cells.Currently CaSR can be considered as a molecule that can either promote or prevent tumor growth dependingon the type of cancer. Therefore, recognition of the multifaceted role of CaSR in gliomas and other malignanttumors in general is fundamental to elucidating the mechanisms of tumor progression and the development ofnovel therapeutic agents. Emphasis should be placed on development of drug-targeting methods to modulateCaSR activity in cancer cells.
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