In recent years, the scope of prostate cancer research has expanded well beyond previous decades. Research in this field extends beyond clinical trials for new drugs or treatment options, and dives into discovering new biomarkers, screening tests, and much more. Several examples of investigational screening tests and prostate cancer-related research endeavors are described below.
Biomarker research
A biomarker, as related to cancer research, is typically considered any sign of an unusual or abnormal process occurring in the body, and can be discovered in the blood, bodily fluids, or specific tissues. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test that is commonly used in the prostate cancer detection process is an example of a biomarker-dependent screening. Higher PSA levels have been associated with prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions, and if present, can indicate a potential problem. Biomarkers include products secreted by tumors, as well as proteins and specific genes that indicate a cancer-related process may be occurring, such as unregulated cell growth and division.
Biomarkers are sought after for many reasons, including their ability to help diagnose a condition, as well as their potential ability to indicate the aggressiveness of a condition or predict an individual’s response to treatment options. Sometimes, biomarkers are used to determine if an individual is at a higher risk for developing a particular cancer, such as screening for inherited gene mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that could predispose an individual from developing early-onset prostate cancer. With all of this potential comes an increased desire to identify additional biomarkers and develop ways to investigate them non-invasively.
The PSA test is currently the main early screening tool used for prostate cancer, however, it has its shortcomings. For example, the PSA test is not able to specify aggressive versus relatively non-aggressive cancers, and can lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment of prostate cancer. Additionally, the top of the normal range for PSA level is generally considered to be at 4 ng/ml, however, it has been estimated that roughly 20% of men with prostate cancer have PSA levels lower than this, while conversely, there are men with PSA levels higher than 4 ng/ml that do not have prostate cancer. Overall, the PSA test has its shortcomings, which has prompted researchers to look for a more reliable biomarker, especially for diagnostic purposes. Current research surrounds some of the following biomarkers:
- PHI (prostate health index): A test thought to distinguish between malignant prostate cancers and benign conditions of the prostate in men over 50 without any other significant prostate-cancer related findings (including a normal digital rectal exam and elevated PSA levels)
- PCA3 (prostate cancer antigen 3): Assesses the presence and level of a specific antigen related to prostate cancer, that is highly expressed in prostate cancer, and is thought to have a higher predictive value than the PSA test, but is less sensitive.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTC’s): Cells that can be detected in the blood that are indicative of a cancerous process occurring in the body. These cells carry genetic information and may predict cancers with worse survival potential.
- MicroRNA biomarkers: Small pieces of genetic information that may be present when cancer cells are present and growing. Could potentially predict the potential for recurrence, progression, and metastasis of a cancer, as well as its aggressiveness.
Other biomarker tests currently under investigation include the CCP signature, TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion test, Mi-Prostate Score test, Oncotype DX test, ProMark test, ConfirmMDx test, and the Prolaris test, among others, with the potential to help diagnose prostate cancer, as well as predict its aggressiveness, potential response to treatment, recurrence risk, and more. However, until more solid evidence is found, the PSA test is still considered an early diagnostic standard.1-4
Imaging research
In addition to biomarkers, another area of research related to prostate cancer is the rising interest in better imaging methods. Some current imaging methods, such as CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans, do not always meet the needs of providers and patients, especially when it comes to diagnosing prostate cancer or monitoring for its recurrence. Newer imaging methods are being studied, and some have been approved, that can potentially offer an improved view of any cancer that may be present, to better inform diagnosis and treatment options.
Clinical trials
As with many conditions, there are many clinical trials with both human and animal subjects dedicated to prostate cancer research. Some of these are investigating screening methods, while others are comparing treatment options across different populations to determine the most efficient standards of care. Of course, there are also clinical trials dedicated to developing new medications to treat prostate cancer. Currently, many trials associated with treatment of prostate cancer are underway in the United States. There have been numerous new treatment options approved for prostate cancer in recent years as a result of clinical trials.
Treatment options as they relate to an individual’s overall quality of life continue to be studied as well. Additionally, there are many new drugs currently being assessed in clinical trials.6,7