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Updated: Nov 6, 2025
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Promising Treatment Option for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer?
Vicenç Ruiz de Porras1,2, Juan Carlos Pardo2,3, Lucia Notario2,3
1Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Ctra. Can Ruti-Camí de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
Abstract:
Since 2010, several treatment options have been available for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), including immunotherapeutic agents, although the clinical benefit of these agents remains inconclusive in unselected mCRPC patients. In recent years, however, immunotherapy has re-emerged as a promising therapeutic option to stimulate antitumor immunity, particularly with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. There is increasing evidence that ICIs may be especially beneficial in specific subgroups of patients with high PD-L1 tumor expression, high tumor mutational burden, or tumors with high microsatellite instability/mismatch repair deficiency. If we are to improve the efficacy of ICIs, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to ICIs and to identify predictive biomarkers to determine which patients are most likely to benefit. This review focuses on the current status of ICIs for the treatment of mCRPC (either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs), mechanisms of resistance, potential predictive biomarkers, and future challenges in the management of mCRPC.
Insights
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show promise for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but benefit is limited in unselected patients. Understanding resistance mechanisms and identifying biomarkers are key to improving ICI efficacy in mCRPC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has limited treatment options.
- Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), is a promising approach for mCRPC.
- Current ICI benefit in mCRPC is inconclusive in unselected populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of ICIs in mCRPC treatment.
- To explore mechanisms of resistance to ICIs in mCRPC.
- To identify predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy in mCRPC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ICIs for mCRPC.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and preclinical research.
- Focus on monotherapy and combination ICI strategies.
Main Results:
- ICIs, including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, are being investigated for mCRPC.
- Specific patient subgroups (high PD-L1, high tumor mutational burden, MSI-H/dMMR) may benefit more from ICIs.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing treatment.
Conclusions:
- Improving ICI efficacy in mCRPC requires better understanding of resistance.
- Identifying predictive biomarkers is essential for patient selection.
- Future research should focus on overcoming resistance and refining biomarker strategies for mCRPC management.
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