New developments in prostate cancer biomarkers

The initial management of localized prostate cancer is increasingly complex with the identification of a growing number of prognostic subgroups. Molecular and genetic biomarkers have been proposed to help clinicians and patients navigate treatment decisions.

Three commercially available tests, the Genomic Prostate score, Cell Cycle Progression score, and Genomic Classifier appear to currently have the most supporting data for their use in localized prostate cancer. All three have been shown to identify men at higher risk for poor outcome following radical prostatectomy in retrospective studies whereas the first two have also shown promise in addressing which men might be appropriate for active surveillance. Only the Genomic Classifier has data supporting its use as a predictive marker in addition to a prognostic marker.

Over the past several years, the management of localized prostate cancer has seen the development of several novel biomarkers aimed at improving decision making. Although a lack of prospective validation makes it challenging to know how best to change management based on the results from any of the tests, the growing body of retrospective data suggests significant promise in this arena.