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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
[Metastasis-directed therapy in prostate cancer]
Angelika Borkowetz1,2, Tobias Hölscher3,4
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. angelika.borkowetz@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Background:
Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) in oligometastatic prostate cancer (omHSPC) is playing an increasingly important role in therapy with the aim of delaying disease progression, the start of systemic treatment or switching systemic treatment to improve the patient's overall prognosis. Molecular imaging as prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) imaging allows metastases to be detected with a higher sensitivity and specificity. This means that they can be detected early and made accessible for treatment.
Results:
The standard therapy for oligo-mHSPC is androgen deprivation (ADT), which is supplemented by novel hormonal therapeutics (NHT). A few small prospective trials have shown an extension of the ADT-free interval and progression-free survival (PFS), particularly in metachronous oligo-mHSPC, by MDT, usually radiotherapy. Additional ADT can further extend the PFS in particular. There are hardly any prospective data for synchronous oligo-mHSPC.
Conclusion:
Despite the currently still poor evidence, MDT is playing an increasingly important role. The still unclear definition of oligometastasis and the large number of influencing factors make it difficult to compare current data. Large multicenter prospective data are still pending. It is also important to clarify the effect of limited ADT in combination with NHT in the treatment of synchronous and metachronous oligo-mHSPC with MDT. In synchronous oligo-mHSPC in particular, further benefit of additional local therapy of the primary in combination with MDT should also be investigated.
Insights
Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) shows promise for oligometastatic prostate cancer (omHSPC), potentially delaying progression and improving prognosis. Further research is needed to clarify its role, especially in synchronous omHSPC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Molecular Imaging
Context:
- Oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (omHSPC) management is evolving.
- Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) is increasingly considered for omHSPC.
- Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) enhances metastasis detection.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the role and impact of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) in oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (omHSPC).
- To explore the potential of PSMA-PET imaging in identifying omHSPC amenable to MDT.
- To assess the current evidence and future research directions for MDT in omHSPC.
Summary:
- MDT, often radiotherapy, may extend the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-free interval and progression-free survival (PFS) in metachronous omHSPC.
- Limited prospective data exist for synchronous omHSPC.
- Combining MDT with ADT and novel hormonal therapeutics (NHT) requires further investigation.
Impact:
- MDT is gaining importance in omHSPC despite limited evidence.
- Standardized definitions and larger prospective trials are needed for omHSPC.
- Clarifying the benefit of MDT, especially in synchronous omHSPC and with combined therapies, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
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