Experimental Hematology & Oncology (Sep 2023)

Recent advances and future perspectives in the therapeutics of prostate cancer

  • Ganji Lakshmi Varaprasad,
  • Vivek Kumar Gupta,
  • Kiran Prasad,
  • Eunsu Kim,
  • Mandava Bhuvan Tej,
  • Pratik Mohanty,
  • Henu Kumar Verma,
  • Ganji Seeta Rama Raju,
  • LVKS Bhaskar,
  • Yun Suk Huh

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-023-00444-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 1 – 24

Abstract

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Abstract Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in males and the fifth leading reason of death. Age, ethnicity, family history, and genetic defects are major factors that determine the aggressiveness and lethality of PC. The African population is at the highest risk of developing high-grade PC. It can be challenging to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk patients due to the slow progression of PC. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a revolutionary discovery for the identification of PC. However, it has led to an increase in over diagnosis and over treatment of PC in the past few decades. Even if modifications are made to the standard PSA testing, the specificity has not been found to be significant. Our understanding of PC genetics and proteomics has improved due to advances in different fields. New serum, urine, and tissue biomarkers, such as PC antigen 3 (PCA3), have led to various new diagnostic tests, such as the prostate health index, 4K score, and PCA3. These tests significantly reduce the number of unnecessary and repeat biopsies performed. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and prostatectomy are standard treatment options. However, newer novel hormone therapy drugs with a better response have been identified. Androgen deprivation and hormonal therapy are evolving as new and better options for managing hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant PC. This review aimed to highlight and discuss epidemiology, various risk factors, and developments in PC diagnosis and treatment regimens.

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