Advances in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Summary
Prostate cancer diagnosis has shifted from reliance on serum prostate-specific antigen testing and systematic biopsies towards risk-adapted pathways that integrate advanced imaging and molecular markers. Multi-parametric and biparametric magnetic resonance imaging have improved the detection of clinically significant tumours while reducing unnecessary invasive procedures. Concurrently, genomic and tissue-based classifiers offer refined prognostic stratification, enabling personalised decision-making. On the treatment front, local management has evolved from whole-gland interventions to focal ablation techniques, preserving urinary and sexual function. Systemic therapy for advanced disease now encompasses next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, radioligand agents and immunomodulatory approaches. Together, these innovations aim to optimise outcomes, limit overtreatment and respond to a projected global rise in incidence driven by demographic shifts and widening disparities in care.
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Advances in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in advances in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): A protein produced by prostate cells, elevated levels of which can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI): An imaging technique combining anatomical and functional sequences to localise and characterise prostate lesions.
Biparametric MRI (bpMRI): A streamlined MRI protocol using T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted sequences to triage men before biopsy.
Gleason score: A grading system for prostate cancer based on histological patterns, indicating tumour aggressiveness.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): A focal ablation method that uses concentrated ultrasound energy to destroy targeted prostate tissue.
References
- The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases. The Lancet (2024).
- Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study. The Lancet (2017).
- Discovery and Validation of a Prostate Cancer Genomic Classifier that Predicts Early Metastasis Following Radical Prostatectomy. PLOS ONE (2013).
- Prognostic value of an RNA expression signature derived from cell cycle proliferation genes in patients with prostate cancer: a retrospective study. The Lancet Oncology (2011).
- A Multicentre Study of 5-year Outcomes Following Focal Therapy in Treating Clinically Significant Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer. European Urology (2018).
- Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prostate Cancer in Biopsy-Naive Men: The Biparametric MRI for Detection of Prostate Cancer (BIDOC) Study. JAMA Network Open (2018).
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