Treatment-related changes in the prostate: past, present and future therapies

A broad spectrum of therapies is available for the management of prostate cancer, ranging from well-established interventions like radical prostatectomy, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiation therapy (RT), to emerging modalities such as focal ablative treatments and targeted molecular therapies. These therapies can induce profound histologic alterations in both benign and malignant prostate tissue. Hormonal and radiation therapies are particularly known for their distinctive and often extensive morphologic effects, which have been well documented across needle biopsies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or enucleation specimens and prostatectomy samples. Novel ablative techniques-including cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and interstitial laser thermotherapy-are gaining traction, yet the histologic consequences of these newer modalities are still being characterized. These treatment-induced changes can obscure residual carcinoma, complicate tumour grading and staging and sometimes render traditional parameters such as Gleason scoring unreliable. As therapies evolve, pathologists must remain informed about the spectrum of post-treatment changes to accurately interpret prostate specimens. Diagnostic accuracy hinges not only on recognizing these morphologic effects but also on integrating clinical history, particularly when treatment details are not readily available. This review provides an overview of current and investigational prostate cancer therapies, their histologic impact and practical guidance for post-treatment evaluation.