Can We Predict Prostate Cancer Metastasis Based on Biomarkers? Where Are We Now?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PC) incidence is increasing annually, with mortality primarily driven by metastatic disease (mPC).
• An intermediate stage exists where non-metastatic PC patients initiate a metastatic cascade, necessitating predictive tools.
• Current biomarkers for predicting mPC are limited, with insufficient evidence regarding their clinical utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review tissue-based genomic biomarkers (TBGB) for predicting the risk of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC).
• To address the critical need for improved tools to identify patients likely to progress to advanced disease.
• To evaluate the impact of predictive biomarkers on clinical guidelines and practice for prostate cancer management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current evidence on tissue-based genomic biomarkers (TBGB) for predicting metastatic prostate cancer (mPC).
• Analysis focused on four key research questions regarding the importance, availability, and clinical impact of predictive tests.
• Evaluation of existing prostate cancer treatments in the context of metastasis prediction.

Main Results:

• Predicting metastatic disease (mPC) is vital, as diagnosis significantly reduces survival and quality of life (QoL).
• There is a clear need for more effective and cost-efficient TBGB tests to predict mPC.
• Current evidence highlights the potential of TBGB but emphasizes the need for further development and validation.

Conclusions:

• Accurate prediction of metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) is essential for improving patient outcomes and survival.
• Tissue-based genomic biomarkers (TBGB) show promise but require further research and development for widespread clinical use.
• Enhanced predictive tools are needed to guide treatment decisions and personalize care for prostate cancer patients at risk of metastasis.