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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Treatment strategies in low-volume metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Xiao X Wei1, Eric C Ko, Charles J Ryan
1aDivision of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California bDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
There are currently limited data to guide the optimal management of patients with low-volume metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In this review, we critically assess the most relevant clinical data, and discuss opportunities for advancing therapeutic options in this patient population.
Recent Findings:
Over the past decade, treatment options for mCRPC have expanded beyond taxanes to include abiraterone/prednisone, enzalutamide, sipuleucel-T, and radium-223. However, only a subset of patients in the landmark phase 3 studies would meet criteria consistent with low-volume mCRPC, and optimal treatment approach for this patient population is unclear. There is emerging evidence that mCRPC patients who harbor low-volume or indolent disease may derive the most benefit from immunotherapy. Whereas prospective data are lacking, stereotactic body radiation appears to be well tolerated and effective for local control of metastases in oligometastatic CRPC.
Summary:
Prospective studies are needed to establish optimal therapeutic approaches in carefully selected low-volume mCRPC patients. Advances in functional imaging and molecular profiling should provide opportunities to optimize patient selection for effective treatment strategies.
Insights
Optimal treatment for low-volume metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests immunotherapy and stereotactic radiation may benefit select patients, but prospective studies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
Background:
- Limited data exist for managing low-volume metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
- Recent advancements have expanded treatment options for mCRPC, but their applicability to low-volume disease is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess current clinical data for low-volume mCRPC.
- To discuss potential therapeutic advancements for this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant clinical data.
- Analysis of emerging evidence for immunotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Current landmark studies include few patients with low-volume mCRPC, leaving optimal treatment unclear.
- Immunotherapy shows promise for patients with indolent or low-volume mCRPC.
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy appears effective for local control in oligometastatic CRPC.
Conclusions:
- Prospective studies are essential to determine optimal therapies for carefully selected low-volume mCRPC patients.
- Functional imaging and molecular profiling can enhance patient selection for targeted treatments.
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