Genetic markers a landscape in prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PC) exhibits significant genetic heterogeneity, leading to varied patient responses to treatment.
• Current screening and follow-up biomarkers for PC lack sufficient information, complicating diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy selection.
• High rates of unnecessary biopsies, over-treatment, and hormone resistance are prevalent issues in PC management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of genomic biomarkers in improving prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.
• To explore novel biomarkers, including germline variants, copy number variations (CNVs), repetitive regions, and differentially expressed genes.
• To assess the potential of liquid biopsy and advanced minimal sample analysis technologies for PC management.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search of clinical trials and pre-clinical research studies.
• Included keywords such as germline variants, prostate cancer, biomarkers, androgen deprivation therapy, screening, and liquid biopsy.
• Reviewed studies on germline variants, CNVs, repetitive regions, differentially expressed genes, and liquid biopsy markers.

Main Results:

• Germline variants, CNVs, and repetitive regions are significant in prostate carcinogenesis, treatment, and progression.
• Novel prognostic biomarkers based on differentially expressed genes were identified.
• Emerging liquid biopsy markers and updated minimal sample analysis technologies show promise.

Conclusions:

• Genomic biomarkers, including germline variants and liquid biopsy, are crucial for enhancing precision in PC prognostic and predictive tools.
• Improved utilization of genetic markers can lead to simpler, non-invasive tools like liquid biopsy and germline variant analysis.
• Wider application of these genetic markers will reduce the need for PC needle biopsies and current over-treatments.