Prostatic cancers: understanding their molecular pathology and the 2016 WHO classification

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Pathology

Background:

• Prostate cancers are recognized as histologically and molecularly heterogeneous diseases.
• Previous classifications did not fully capture the complexity of prostate cancer subtypes.
• Variable clinical courses necessitate refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the revised 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of prostate cancers.
• To discuss recent advancements in the molecular characterization of prostate cancers.
• To highlight the implications of molecular subtyping for personalized medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of accumulating evidence on prostatic cancer clinicopathology and genetics.
• Analysis of recent data on comprehensive molecular characterization of prostate cancers.
• Synthesis of information regarding the 2016 WHO classification updates.

Main Results:

• The 2016 WHO classification incorporates increased knowledge of prostate cancer genetics.
• Molecular characterization enables classification into subtypes with distinct pathologies.
• Understanding molecular subtypes facilitates personalized therapies and improved patient management.

Conclusions:

• The revised WHO classification represents an evolution towards molecularly defined prostate cancer subtypes.
• Personalized therapies can be implemented based on distinct molecular pathologies.
• Further revisions are anticipated as molecular understanding deepens for improved diagnoses.