Recent advances and future perspectives in the therapeutics of prostate cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in males and the fifth leading reason of death. Age, ethnicity, family history, and genetic defects are major factors that determine the aggressiveness and lethality of PC. The African population is at the highest risk of developing high-grade PC. It can be challenging to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk patients due to the slow progression of PC. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a revolutionary discovery for the identification of PC. However, it has led to an increase in over diagnosis and over treatment of PC in the past few decades. Even if modifications are made to the standard PSA testing, the specificity has not been found to be significant. Our understanding of PC genetics and proteomics has improved due to advances in different fields. New serum, urine, and tissue biomarkers, such as PC antigen 3 (PCA3), have led to various new diagnostic tests, such as the prostate health index, 4K score, and PCA3. These tests significantly reduce the number of unnecessary and repeat biopsies performed. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and prostatectomy are standard treatment options. However, newer novel hormone therapy drugs with a better response have been identified. Androgen deprivation and hormonal therapy are evolving as new and better options for managing hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant PC. This review aimed to highlight and discuss epidemiology, various risk factors, and developments in PC diagnosis and treatment regimens.

Combination of prostate volume and apparent diffusion coefficient can stratify patients with a PI‐RADS score of 3 to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies

“…Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has become the primary test for patients with suspected PCa, and other tests like the four kallikrein (4K) score test and prostate health index (PHI) have also been used in the clinic. [6][7][8] However, prostate biopsy decision-making is still controversial for PI-RADS score 3 patients, especially. 9 Meanwhile, we also noted that although apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values have long been proven to be associated with PCa, clinicians have mostly focused on PI-RADS scores.…”

Comprehensive Analysis of CXCR4, JUNB, and PD-L1 Expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Prostate Cancer Patients

“…Prostate cancer patients with distant metastases, particularly to the bone, have limited effective treatment options and poorer disease outcomes [2,3]. Therefore, early diagnosis combined with the discovery of new treatment approaches is crucial for effective treatment of even the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer [4].…”

In silico exploration of anti-prostate cancer compounds from differential expressed genes

“…In 2020, 1,414,000 new cases of PCa were estimated with 375,304 deaths attributed to the disease [ 6 ]. Moreover, it has been forecasted that by 2040, 2.43 million new cases of PCa with 740,000 deaths worldwide will be recorded [ 7 , 8 ]. PCa ranks as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 112 countries and is the leading cause of cancer mortality in 48 countries [ 9 ].…”

“…PCa treatment has seen significant advancements in recent years, with ongoing research aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life. According to Chen and Zhao [ 13 ], and Varaprasad et al [ 8 ], the current state of PCa treatment includes (A) Standard treatments such as (i) Surgery (Radical prostatectomy) which involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue. (ii) Radiation therapy (External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (internal radiation)) which are used to target and kill cancer cells in the prostate.…”