Prostate cancer
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "prostate cancer"
Prostate Cancer: An Overview
Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, particularly in developed countries1 6. The incidence of prostate cancer has risen significantly in recent decades, largely due to the widespread use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing6 9. Key risk factors include age, ethnic origin, and family history, with genetic mutations such as BRCA2 and HOXB13 playing a significant role in familial cases5 6.
Diagnosis and Screening
Prostate cancer is often diagnosed through PSA blood tests and digital rectal examinations (DRE), followed by prostate biopsies if initial tests indicate potential malignancy1 8 9. However, PSA testing is controversial due to its high rate of overdiagnosis and false positives, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies and treatments5 9. Emerging imaging techniques like multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and MR/TRUS fusion biopsy have shown improved accuracy in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer and reducing overdiagnosis10.
Genetic and Molecular Insights
Recent advances have deepened our understanding of the genetic and molecular landscape of prostate cancer. Key genetic alterations include fusions of TMPRSS2 with ETS family genes, amplification of the MYC oncogene, and mutations in PTEN and TP531. Classification into molecular subtypes, such as ETS-gene-fusion-positive and SPINK1-overexpressing cancers, is paving the way for more personalized treatment strategies5.
Treatment Options
Localized Disease
For localized prostate cancer, treatment options include active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, and ablative radiotherapy1 2. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's risk profile and overall health. Potency-saving subcapsular prostatectomy and radiation therapy are effective for treating localized disease2.
Advanced and Metastatic Disease
Advanced prostate cancer often progresses to a castration-resistant state, which is incurable1 5. Treatment options for advanced stages include androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy, and novel androgen receptor (AR)-targeted agents1 4. Recent research has validated treatments targeting genomic alterations in DNA repair pathways, such as the poly(ADP-ribose) inhibitor olaparib, and novel androgen pathway inhibitors have significantly improved survival rates1 4.
Emerging Research and Future Directions
Ongoing research aims to improve prostate cancer detection, management, and outcomes. Advances in genomic and molecular characterization are expected to further personalize treatment strategies4 5. Additionally, novel therapeutics, including targeted radioisotopes and immunotherapy, hold promise for enhancing patient outcomes4. The development of more sensitive imaging methods continues to refine diagnostic and staging accuracy, which is crucial for effective treatment planning4 10.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, with ongoing research continually improving our understanding and management of the disease. Advances in genetic insights, diagnostic imaging, and personalized treatment strategies offer hope for better outcomes and quality of life for patients. As the field evolves, continued efforts in research and clinical practice will be essential to address the challenges and complexities of prostate cancer.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prostate cancer
Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer can lead to a 99% overall survival rate for 10 years, with current treatment options based on disease stage and quality of life.
Highly CitedProstate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in elderly men, with localized disease treated with subcapsular prostatectomy or radiation therapy, and metastatic disease treated with antiandrogens and gonadotropin-releasing analogs.
Highly CitedProstate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight developing it during their lifetime.
Highly CitedProstate cancer
Advances in genomic understanding, sensitive imaging, and personalised therapeutics have improved prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProstate cancer
Prostate cancer research has progressed in understanding genetics and molecular subtypes, but more data is needed to personalize treatment and improve overall survival rates.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProstate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common diagnosed cancer in men, with a positive family history being the strongest risk factor, and treatments ranging from surveillance to radical local treatment or androgen-deprivation treatment.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProstate Cancer
This issue of Current Opinion in Urology highlights the growing importance of genetic alterations, tumor suppressor genes, and oncogenes in prostate cancer, and highlights the emerging key role of the androgen receptor in late-stage disease.
Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer usually does not cause pain, and most affected men exhibit no noticeable symptoms. Men are often diagnosed as the result of health screenings, such as a blood test for a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) or a medical procedure called a digital rectal exam. As the tumor grows larger, signs and symptoms can include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely, blood in the urine or semen, or pain with ejaculation. However, these changes can also occur with many other genitourinary conditions. Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a man has prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer in Primary Care
Prostate cancer diagnosis in primary care is challenging due to overlap of symptoms with benign conditions, and current methods like PSA testing have limited clinical utility.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedImaging of Prostate Cancer.
Multiparametric MRI and MR/TRUS fusion biopsy improve initial detection of prostate cancer and prognosis assessment, while PSMA hybrid imaging enhances high-risk patient staging and detection of recurrences.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedTry another search
Percentage of toxicity in moba games
What are the different types of renewable energy sources and their efficiencies?
What are the benefits of a rear facing car seat?
What are the economic effects of a tariff increase in a large economy
What are the health benefits of regular participation in team sports and group fitness activities?
personality