Biomarkers in prostate cancer: current status and future directions in radiotherapy—statement from the Prostate Cancer Working Group of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO)

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. K.B. Spohn - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • D. M. Aebersold - , University of Bern (Author)
  • C. Albrecht - , Nuremberg Clinic (Author)
  • D. Boehmer - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • U. Ganswindt - , Innsbruck Medical University (Author)
  • N. S. Schmidt-Hegemann - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • S. Hoecht - , Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann gGmbH (Author)
  • T. Hölscher - , Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • S. A. Koerber - , Heidelberg University , Hospital of the Brothers of Mercy Regensburg (Author)
  • A. C. Mueller - , RKH Hospital Ludwigsburg (Author)
  • P. Niehoff - , Sana Clinics Group (Author)
  • J. C. Peeken - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • M. Pinkawa - , WEGE Klinik (Author)
  • B. Polat - , University of Würzburg (Author)
  • M. Shelan - , University of Bern (Author)
  • F. Wolf - , Paracelsus Private Medical University (Author)
  • C. Zamboglou - , University Medical Center Freiburg, European University Cyprus (Author)
  • D. Zips - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • T. Wiegel - , Ulm University (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among men in Germany. Advances in diagnostics and treatment have transformed PCa into a chronic disease. Given the heterogeneity of PCa, there is a need for additional stratification tools. This review focuses on updating the evidence for genomic classifiers (GC; Decipher [Veracyte Inc. San Diego, CA, USA], Prolaris [Myriad Genetics, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT], and Oncotype DX [Exact Sciences, Madison, WI, USA] tests) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital histopathology biomarkers (ArteraAI Prostate Test) in the context of radiotherapy (RT) for PCa. Methods: The members of the Prostate Cancer Working Group of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) conducted an updated literature search on GCs and histopathological biomarkers in PCa, covering original articles published between January 2022 and February 2024 in the PubMed database. Results: In addition to previous reviews, 11 relevant studies were identified, of which nine studies analyzed biomarkers within prospective phase II or III trials. Eight trials focused on genomic biomarkers, of which three addressed GCs in primary localized PCa, three in recurrent PCa in the setting of salvage RT, and two in metastatic castration-sensitive PCa. In localized PCa, GCs could be validated in a retrospective analysis of randomized controlled trials. Additionally, three studies reported on AI-based histopathology biomarkers. Conclusion: Genomic classifiers and AI-based digital histopathology models might have superior prognostic and predictive value compared to established clinical and pathological parameters in localized, recurrent, and metastatic PCa. Despite promising results, prospective validation of these biomarkers in randomized trials remains limited. This review underscores the need for further prospective trials to confirm the usefulness of these biomarkers in PCa.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)759-766
Number of pages8
JournalStrahlentherapie und Onkologie
Volume201
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 40131411

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Artificial intellegence, Biomarkers, Precision medicine, Prostate cancer, Radiotherapy