Prostate cancer, a leading global cancer in men, is expected to double from 1.4 million new cases in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. Lifestyle changes and public health efforts cannot prevent this rise, underscoring the critical need for enhanced diagnostic and treatment approaches.1
Key challenges in prostate cancer include distinguishing between aggressive and benign tumors, improving treatments for advanced stages, minimizing treatment side effects, and addressing racial disparities. Fortunately, recent progress, largely fueled by advances in genomics, shows promise in enhancing prostate cancer management.
Let’s review a few exciting developments in the field this year:
Genetic Insights into Aggressive Prostate Cancer
The UK Genetic Prostate Cancer Study has provided new insights into the genetic factors behind aggressive prostate cancer. By analyzing data from 6,805 cases, including 3,548 aggressive cases, researchers identified mutations in four genes linked to aggressive prostate cancer: ATM, MLH1, MSH2, and NBN. This research could improve risk assessment and treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients by identifying those at higher risk based on their genetic profile.2
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, an approach that has shown success in treating blood cancers, is now offering hope for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat form of the disease. CAR T cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient's own T cells to enhance targeting and attacking cancer cells.
A recent Phase I study tested this approach in mCRPC patients, yielding promising early results. Investigators collected patient immune cells, genetically modified them with special receptors designed to recognize prostate cancer, and reinfused them into patients. Several patients showed reductions in cancer markers and improvements in scans. The therapy also appeared to activate the broader immune system in certain cases. While the modified T cells did not remain in the body for long, these initial findings support further investigation into CAR T cell therapy as a viable new option for advanced prostate cancer treatment.3
Updated Guidance on BRCA Mutation Screening for Men
The BRCA gene is often associated with breast and ovarian cancer in women, but half of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are men. This fact often goes overlooked, despite its serious health implications. Men with these mutations have higher risks of prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Unfortunately, the impact on male carriers is frequently underrecognized in medical settings and public awareness.
A new review in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlights recent changes in screening guidelines for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in men. Identifying more male BRCA carriers can lead to earlier cancer detection, targeted treatments, and preventive measures for families to reduce the burden of hereditary cancer.4
Are you interested in the latest in advanced tissue and molecular diagnostics for prostate cancer? Contact us at GoPathDx to learn how our latest tools can enhance your clinical practice and improve patient outcomes today.
1. James ND, Tannock I, N’Dow J, et al. The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases. The Lancet. 2024;403(10437):1683-1722. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00651-2
2. Saunders EJ, Dadaev T, Brook MN, et al. Identification of Genes with Rare Loss of Function Variants Associated with Aggressive Prostate Cancer and Survival. Eur Urol Oncol. 2024;7(2):248-257. doi:10.1016/j.euo.2024.02.003
3. Dorff TB, Blanchard MS, Adkins LN, et al. PSCA-CAR T cell therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med. 2024;30(6):1636-1644. doi:10.1038/s41591-024-02979-8
4. Cheng HH, Shevach JW, Castro E, et al. BRCA1, BRCA2, and Associated Cancer Risks and Management for Male Patients: A Review. JAMA Oncol. Published online July 25, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.2185