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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in Prostate Cancer: Targeted Approaches Using PARP Inhibition, PSMA-Directed Therapy,
Piotr Kawczak1, Tomasz Bączek1,2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, and advanced or metastatic disease remains associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic progress in recent years has been driven by the introduction of targeted treatment strategies, notably poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed radioligand therapy (RLT), and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs). This review summarizes evidence from phase II and III clinical trials, meta-analyses, and real-world studies evaluating the efficacy, safety, and clinical integration of olaparib, lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan, and abiraterone in advanced prostate cancer. Emphasis is placed on the practical clinical application of these agents, including patient selection, treatment sequencing, and combination strategies. PARP inhibition with olaparib has demonstrated clear benefits in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations, particularly BRCA1/2 alterations. PSMA-directed RLT offers a survival advantage in PSMA-positive mCRPC following AR pathway inhibition, with distinct toxicity considerations that influence patient selection. Abiraterone remains a cornerstone therapy across disease stages and plays an important role both as monotherapy and as a combination partner. Emerging data suggest a potential synergy between PARP inhibitors and AR-targeted agents, while also highlighting the limitations of biomarker-unselected approaches. We conclude that the optimal use of PARP inhibitors, PSMA-targeted RLT, and ARPIs requires a personalized strategy guided by molecular profiling, functional imaging, prior treatment exposure, and safety considerations. This clinically focused overview aims to support evidence-based decision-making in an increasingly complex treatment landscape.
Insights
Advanced prostate cancer treatment is evolving with targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors, PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy, and ARPIs. Personalized strategies are key for optimal outcomes in metastatic disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Advanced prostate cancer presents significant morbidity and mortality challenges.
- Recent therapeutic advances include PARP inhibitors, PSMA-directed radioligand therapy (RLT), and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy, safety, and clinical integration of olaparib, lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan, and abiraterone in advanced prostate cancer.
- To emphasize practical applications, including patient selection, treatment sequencing, and combination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Evidence synthesis from phase II/III trials, meta-analyses, and real-world studies.
- Focus on clinical utility and decision-making in advanced prostate cancer management.
Main Results:
- Olaparib shows benefit in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with HRR mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2).
- Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan offers survival advantage in PSMA-positive mCRPC post-ARPI therapy.
- Abiraterone is a foundational therapy across stages, used alone or in combination.
Conclusions:
- Optimal use of these targeted agents necessitates personalized strategies based on molecular profiling, imaging, and treatment history.
- Combination strategies and biomarker-unselected approaches require further investigation.
- Evidence-based decision-making is crucial in the complex landscape of advanced prostate cancer treatment.
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