Items of Interest
PROSTATE CANCER CARE
ACHIEVEMENTS
October 2025
An Informed Prostate Cancer Support Group Newsletter Special Edition
Dear Support Group Members,
October 2025 will be remembered as a watershed month in prostate cancer care. We witnessed an unprecedented convergence of scientific breakthroughs, regulatory approvals, and technological innovations that are fundamentally changing how we detect, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer. This comprehensive report brings you detailed, patient-friendly information about these remarkable advances.
From life-extending drug combinations that cut death risk by 40% to artificial intelligence tools that catch cancers pathologists might miss, from immunotherapy breakthroughs to precision medicine advances tailored to your unique genetic profile—the progress is nothing short of extraordinary.
What makes these advances even more meaningful is that they're not just happening in laboratories—they're making their way into clinics where they can help real patients. Let's explore these achievements together.
BREAKTHROUGH DRUG COMBINATIONS: EXTENDING SURVIVAL
Enzalutamide Combination: A 40% Reduction in Death Risk
The most dramatic news of October came from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on October 19, when researchers announced that combining enzalutamide with standard hormone therapy reduces the risk of death by more than 40% in men whose prostate cancer returns after surgery or radiation therapy.
The Study Details:
International trial across 244 medical centers in 17 countries
More than 1,000 men participated
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine
Presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress
Dr. Stephen Freedland, Director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, emphasized the breakthrough's significance: "Hormone therapy, which is what we've been offering patients for 30 years, has not improved survival and neither has anything else. That makes these findings a real game changer."
What This Means for You: If your cancer has returned after initial surgery or radiation, this combination therapy represents a significant advance in treatment options that could extend your life.
Niraparib: Precision Medicine for Genetic Mutations
The Phase III AMPLITUDE trial, published in Nature Medicine on October 7 and led by University College London researchers, demonstrated that adding niraparib to standard hormone therapy significantly delays disease progression in men with specific genetic mutations.
Understanding HRR Gene Mutations:
Approximately one in four men with advanced prostate cancer have alterations in genes involved in homologous recombination repair (HRR)—the body's DNA repair system. These genes include BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and PALB2. When these genes don't work properly, cancer cells can grow and spread more aggressively.
The Trial Results:
696 men enrolled across 32 countries
37% reduction in cancer growth risk overall
48% reduction for men with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations
Time until symptoms worsened doubled
Symptom progression dropped from 34% to 16%
Professor Gerhardt Attard from UCL Cancer Institute explained: "We now know that prostate cancers with alterations in HRR genes account for a significant group of patients whose disease recurs quickly and has an aggressive course. By combining with niraparib, we can delay the cancer returning and hopefully significantly prolong life expectancy."
Important Safety Information: While the treatment was generally well-tolerated, side effects were more common in the niraparib group. About 25% of patients required blood transfusions due to anemia, and high blood pressure was reported more frequently. These risks need to be carefully weighed against the benefits with your healthcare team.
What This Means for You: These findings strongly support widespread genetic testing at diagnosis. If you have advanced prostate cancer, ask your doctor about HRR gene testing to determine if you might benefit from targeted PARP inhibitor therapy.
RADIATION THERAPY INNOVATIONS: DELAYING HORMONE TREATMENT
UCLA's PSMA-Targeted Therapy Breakthrough
At the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in early October, UCLA researchers presented compelling evidence that combining PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy with standard radiation therapy more than doubles progression-free survival in men with oligometastatic disease (cancer that has returned in just a few spots).
The Study at a Glance:
92 men with recurring prostate cancer enrolled
First randomized trial of its kind
Cancer-free survival: 18 months vs. 7 months
Combination vs. radiation alone
Why This Matters—Quality of Life: The biggest benefit isn't just extending the time before cancer progresses—it's delaying the need to start hormone therapy. Hormone therapy can cause significant side effects including hot flashes, weight gain, decreased bone density, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. By postponing these treatments, men can maintain better physical and emotional well-being.
Dr. Amar Kishan, Executive Vice Chair of Radiation Oncology at UCLA and lead author, noted: "This is the first randomized trial to show that PSMA-targeting radioligand can significantly delay progression when added to metastasis-directed radiation."
Understanding PSMA: PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) is a protein found in high levels on prostate cancer cells. PSMA-targeted therapies work like GPS-guided missiles—they seek out and attach to cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue. This precision makes them particularly valuable for treating isolated metastases.
FDA Expands Pluvicto (177Lu-PSMA-617) Approval
In March 2025, the FDA expanded approval of Pluvicto, allowing it to be used earlier in treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This radioligand therapy can now be given before chemotherapy in PSMA-positive patients, offering a less toxic alternative with fewer side effects.
What Makes Pluvicto Different:
Well-tolerated with fewer side effects than chemotherapy
Administered every six weeks
Particularly valuable for older patients
Early response detectable via PSA blood test
Stanford Cancer Institute is actively using Pluvicto in clinical practice and continues to research ways to optimize its use, including determining which patients will benefit most and how many treatment cycles provide the best outcomes.
IMMUNOTHERAPY BREAKTHROUGHS: AWAKENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Mount Sinai's Groundbreaking Poly-ICLC Study
On October 30, Mount Sinai researchers published results in the journal Med that could transform how we think about immunotherapy for prostate cancer. Until now, immunotherapy has been largely ineffective against prostate cancer because these tumors are "immunologically cold"—they don't naturally trigger strong immune responses.
The Revolutionary Approach:
The phase I study tested a viral-mimicking drug called poly-ICLC in 12 men with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. The treatment was delivered in an innovative two-step process: first directly into the tumor to trigger a local immune response, then into a muscle to boost that response systemically.
Key Findings:
Treatment was well-tolerated
Showed signs of immune activation
Appeared to "warm up" cold tumors
Drew immune cells into the tumor
Created pockets of immune activity where none existed before
Dr. Ash Tewari, Professor and System Chair of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explained the significance: "Our findings provide an important proof of concept that the immune system in prostate cancer can be reawakened. By delivering poly-ICLC straight into the tumor under MRI-ultrasound fusion guidance, we were able to engage local immunity before surgery."
The Autovaccination Concept: This approach essentially turns the tumor into its own vaccine. By stimulating the immune system to recognize the whole tumor rather than targeting a single protein, it has the potential to create a more comprehensive immune response. Dr. Sujit Nair, lead author, noted: "To our knowledge, this is the first prostate cancer trial to test intratumoral immunotherapy. Our method doesn't rely on a single tumor target and trains the immune system to recognize the whole tumor."
Looking Forward: The research team is now planning larger, controlled phase 2 clinical trials to test clinical benefits and explore combination strategies with hormone therapies or other immunotherapy approaches. While early-stage, this represents one of the most promising directions in prostate cancer immunotherapy research.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: REVOLUTIONIZING DIAGNOSIS
Ibex Prostate Detect: Finding Hidden Cancers
On October 17, the FDA granted 510(k) clearance to Ibex Prostate Detect, an AI-powered digital pathology solution that assists in detecting small and rare prostate cancers that pathologists might miss.
How It Works:
The AI system analyzes whole slide images of prostate biopsies stained with standard hematoxylin and eosin dyes. It generates heat maps that highlight areas of potential malignancy, alerting pathologists at both the case and slide levels to suspicious regions that warrant closer examination.
Validation Study Results:
99.6% positive predictive value for accuracy
Identified 13% of cancers initially missed by pathologists
AUC of 0.991 for detecting prostate cancer
Excellent performance in distinguishing high-grade from low-grade disease
Dr. Mahul B. Amin, Ibex scientific advisor, emphasized the urgency: "Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 8 men diagnosed in their lifetime. With the global incidence expected to double by 2040, accurate and timely diagnoses are more critical than ever."
ArteraAI Prostate: Predicting Long-Term Outcomes
Later in October, the FDA granted De Novo authorization to ArteraAI Prostate—a historic milestone as the first and only AI-powered tool authorized to prognosticate long-term outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer.
What Makes This Tool Unique:
ArteraAI uses multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) technology, analyzing both digital images from biopsies and clinical data to predict outcomes such as 10-year risk of distant metastasis and prostate cancer-specific mortality. This provides physicians with more accurate information for treatment planning.
Clinical Performance:
9.2% to 14.6% improvement over standard risk tools
Validated using data from several phase 3 trials
Can identify which patients need hormone therapy
Helps match patients to optimal treatment strategies
Real-World Impact: According to validation data, ArteraAI can identify 34% of patients who may benefit from short-term hormone therapy while also identifying those who may not need it—sparing them from unnecessary side effects. The tool demonstrated superiority over National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk models across all endpoints including distant metastasis, biochemical failure, and overall survival.
Regulatory Innovation: The FDA authorization includes a Predetermined Change Control Plan, allowing ArteraAI to expand platform capabilities and validate compatibility with additional digital pathology scanners without requiring further 510(k) submissions. This enables rapid iteration and improvement of the technology.
What This Means for You: If you're newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, ask your doctor whether AI-assisted pathology review and AI-based risk assessment tools like ArteraAI are available at your treatment center. These tools can provide more accurate predictions to guide your treatment decisions.
NEW MOLECULAR TARGETS: UNLOCKING CANCER'S VULNERABILITIES
PDIA1 and PDIA5: A Novel Therapeutic Target
On October 14, scientists from Flinders University in Australia and the South China University of Technology published groundbreaking research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identifying a previously unknown mechanism that prostate cancer cells use to survive and resist treatment.
The Discovery:
Researchers discovered that two enzymes—PDIA1 and PDIA5—act as molecular bodyguards for the androgen receptor (AR), which drives prostate cancer growth. These enzymes belong to a family called protein disulfide isomerases that help proteins fold correctly and maintain their structure.
Laboratory Findings:
Inhibiting PDIA1 and PDIA5 destabilized the androgen receptor
Cancer cells died when these enzymes were blocked
Tumor size decreased in animal models
Combining enzyme inhibitors with enzalutamide showed synergistic effects
Professor Luke Selth, Head of Prostate Cancer Research at Flinders University, explained: "We've discovered a previously unknown mechanism that prostate cancer cells use to protect the androgen receptor. This dual impact of hitting both the AR and the cancer's energy supply makes these enzymes especially attractive targets."
The Path Forward: While current compounds that block PDIA1 and PDIA5 show promise in laboratory studies, more work is needed to develop inhibitors that are both safe and effective for human use. Some existing compounds may affect healthy cells, so future research will focus on creating more selective inhibitors. This discovery could be particularly valuable for overcoming treatment resistance—a major challenge in advanced prostate cancer.
NXP800: Targeting Heat Shock Proteins
Prostate Cancer UK announced research on a promising new drug called NXP800, currently in clinical trials for ovarian cancer, which could provide new options for men whose prostate cancer has stopped responding to hormone therapy.
The Science Behind NXP800:
NXP800 targets heat shock proteins, which are found at higher levels in advanced prostate cancer patients and associated with worse outcomes. These proteins help cancer cells survive under stressful conditions and become resistant to treatment.
Research Findings:
Slowed growth of hormone-resistant prostate cancer cells
Effective in mini-tumors grown from patient samples
Reduced tumor doubling time in animal models
Worked better than high doses of enzalutamide alone
Simon Grieveson from Prostate Cancer UK noted: "This is a fantastic example of continued research into brand new approaches to treating prostate cancer. Targeting heat shock proteins with this novel drug could give men with hormone-resistant prostate cancer a new option for treatment and, crucially, more valuable time with their loved ones."
EXPANDING ACCESS: HEALTH SYSTEM ADVANCES
UK: NICE Approves Darolutamide
On October 24, the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved darolutamide (Nubeqa) for use on the NHS in England and Wales, expanding access to this life-extending treatment for thousands of men.
Key Facts About Darolutamide:
Approved for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Used in combination with androgen deprivation therapy
Taken as two tablets twice daily
Could benefit around 6,000 people in England
How It Works: Darolutamide is an androgen receptor inhibitor that blocks the hormones fueling cancer growth. It essentially starves prostate cancer cells of the testosterone they need to multiply and spread, but with a different side effect profile compared to other drugs in its class.
Clayton Wong, Principal Pharmacist in Cancer Services at Royal Free London NHS Trust, commented: "It is positive news that NICE has recommended the use of darolutamide in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, despite multiple treatment options being already available. This gives clinicians and patients the options to choose the treatment that is best suited to the patients' individual clinical needs."
FDA: Advancing Treatment Options
October saw several important FDA regulatory actions that will expand treatment options for prostate cancer patients in the United States.
Fast Track Designation for Pasritamig:
On October 15, Johnson & Johnson announced that the FDA granted fast track designation to pasritamig (JNJ-78278343) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This first-in-class bispecific antibody targets KLK2 (kallikrein-related peptidase 2), showing significant PSA reductions in early studies.
What Fast Track Means: Fast track designation facilitates the development and expedites the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill unmet medical needs. This means pasritamig could reach patients more quickly if clinical trials continue to show promising results.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: COMPREHENSIVE PATIENT GUIDANCE
Understanding Your Options
With so many advances happening simultaneously, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. Here's how to make sense of these developments and what they mean for your care.
Step 1: Genetic Testing Is Critical
The AMPLITUDE trial demonstrated that men with BRCA mutations saw nearly a 50% reduction in cancer progression risk with targeted therapy. This makes genetic testing essential for treatment planning.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
Should I have genetic testing for HRR gene mutations?
What genes should be tested (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2)?
Should I test for germline mutations, somatic mutations, or both?
How might test results change my treatment options?
Step 2: Consider AI-Enhanced Diagnosis
AI tools like Ibex Prostate Detect have identified 13% of cancers that were initially missed. If you're newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion on your pathology, consider facilities that use AI-assisted diagnosis.
Questions to Ask:
Does your pathology lab use AI-assisted analysis?
Would ArteraAI risk assessment be appropriate for my case?
How might AI-based risk stratification change my treatment plan?
Clinical Trials: Your Path to Innovation
Many of October's breakthroughs began as clinical trials. Participating in research not only gives you potential access to cutting-edge treatments but also contributes to advancing care for future patients.
Active Areas of Clinical Trial Research:
Combination immunotherapy approaches
PSMA-targeted therapies in earlier disease stages
Novel PARP inhibitor combinations
Advanced imaging techniques
Biomarker-driven treatment strategies
Finding Clinical Trials: Talk to your oncologist about appropriate trials for your situation. Major cancer centers including UCLA, UCSF, UC San Diego, UC Davis, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and others are actively enrolling patients. The Prostate Cancer Foundation maintains a comprehensive database of ongoing trials at www.pcf.org.
Advocating for Yourself
With treatment options expanding rapidly, it's more important than ever to be an active participant in your care.
Your Action Plan:
Request comprehensive genetic testing if you have advanced disease or aggressive features
Ask about AI-assisted diagnosis and risk assessment tools
Consider seeking a second opinion at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Inquire about clinical trials that might be appropriate for your situation
Stay informed through trusted resources like PCF, ZERO Prostate Cancer, and ACS
Discuss quality of life priorities openly with your healthcare team
LOOKING FORWARD: REASON FOR HOPE
The Bigger Picture
October 2025's achievements represent more than isolated scientific breakthroughs—they signal a fundamental transformation in how we understand and treat prostate cancer. We're moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to truly personalized, precision medicine.
The Convergence of Multiple Advances:
Genomic testing identifies who will benefit from targeted therapies
AI tools improve diagnostic accuracy and risk prediction
PSMA-targeted therapies deliver treatment precisely where needed
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's natural defenses
Novel molecular targets overcome treatment resistance
Together, these advances create a more comprehensive toolkit for fighting prostate cancer at every stage—from early detection through advanced disease.
A Message of Hope
The pace of progress in prostate cancer research has never been faster. What seemed impossible a decade ago—identifying cancer with AI, targeting treatment to individual genetic profiles, awakening the immune system against prostate cancer—is now becoming clinical reality.
As Gina Carithers, President and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, reflected at their October Scientific Retreat: "The data presented this year highlighted key advances in targeted immunotherapies, theranostics, artificial intelligence, and other tools to help us fight the rise in prostate cancer incidence and mortality and save, extend, and improve lives. Through our efforts, I am confident that we are moving toward a future where prostate cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately defeated."
These aren't distant promises—they're advances happening now, in clinics and hospitals where real patients are benefiting. The dedication of researchers, clinicians, patients who participate in clinical trials, and advocates working together is making a tangible difference.
Trusted Resources for Ongoing Information
Patient Support and Information:
Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org
ZERO Prostate Cancer: www.zerocancer.org
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
Prostate Cancer UK: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Clinical Trial Resources:
ClinicalTrials.gov: www.clinicaltrials.gov
PCF Trial Finder: www.pcf.org/patient-resources
PCCTC: www.pcctc.org
In Closing
We encourage all our support group members to discuss these developments with your healthcare teams. Print this report and bring it to your next appointment. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself. Stay engaged with your care.
Most importantly, remain hopeful. The scientific community is working tirelessly on your behalf, and the progress we saw in October 2025 is just the beginning. Better treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately, better lives for men with prostate cancer are within reach.
Stay strong, stay informed, and know that you are not alone on this journey.
With hope, solidarity, and commitment,
The Informed Prostate Cancer Support Group Newsletter Team
REFERENCES AND SOURCES
Drug Combination Breakthroughs
1. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. (2025, October 19). This powerful drug combo cuts prostate cancer deaths by 40%. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251019120507.htm
2. Attard, G., et al. (2025, October 7). Niraparib and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone for HRR-deficient metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer: A randomized phase 3 trial. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03961-8
3. University College London. (2025, October 7). New drug combination offers hope for men with advanced prostate cancer. UCL News. Retrieved from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/new-drug-combination-offers-hope-men-advanced-prostate-cancer
4. ScienceDaily. (2025, October 21). Doctors just found a way to slow one of the deadliest prostate cancers. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083642.htm
Radiation Therapy Advances
5. Fox News. (2025, October 2). New prostate cancer therapy may delay hormone treatment, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/health/prostate-cancer-patients-see-longer-survival-new-combination-drug
6. Stanford Cancer Institute. (2025, August 29). The next frontier for prostate cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://med.stanford.edu/cancer/about/news/the-next-frontier-for-prostate-cancer-treatment.html
7. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (2025, July 1). FDA expands new treatment for metastatic prostate cancer: Targets a protein called PSMA. Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/news/fda-approves-promising-therapy-advanced-prostate
Immunotherapy Research
8. Mount Sinai Health System. (2025, October 30). Early clinical trial tests immune-boosting therapy before prostate cancer surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/early-clinical-trial-tests-immune-boosting-therapy-before-prostate-cancer-surgery
9. Nair, S.S., et al. (2025, October 30). Intratumoral immunotherapy in prostate cancer. Med. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2025.100879
Artificial Intelligence Tools
10. Targeted Oncology. (2025, October 17). FDA grants 510(k) clearance to Ibex Prostate Detect AI for prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.targetedonc.com/view/fda-grants-510-k-clearance-to-ibex-prostate-detect-ai-for-prostate-cancer
11. Urology Times. (2025, October). FDA grants de novo authorization to ArteraAI Prostate. Retrieved from https://www.urologytimes.com/view/fda-grants-de-novo-authorization-to-arteraai-prostate
12. Medical Economics. (2025, October). FDA grants De Novo authorization for first AI-powered prostate cancer prognostic tool. Retrieved from https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/fda-grants-de-novo-authorization-for-first-ai-powered-prostate-cancer-prognostic-tool
Molecular Discoveries
13. Xie, J., et al. (2025, October 14). Protein disulfide isomerases regulate androgen receptor stability and promote prostate cancer cell growth and survival. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2509222122
14. SciTechDaily. (2025, October). Scientists uncover new weak spot in prostate cancer cells, a game-changer for treatment. Retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-uncover-new-weak-spot-in-prostate-cancer-cells-a-game-changer-for-treatment/
15. Prostate Cancer UK. (2025, January). New drug could treat prostate cancer that stops responding to hormone therapy. Retrieved from https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2025/01/new-drug-could-treat-prostate-cancer-that-stops-responding-to-hormone-therapy
Global Health System Advances
16. The Pharmaceutical Journal. (2025, October 24). NICE approves treatment for advanced prostate cancer that could 'benefit 6,000 patients'. Retrieved from https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/nice-approves-treatment-for-advanced-prostate-cancer-that-could-benefit-6000-patients
17. Urology Times. (2025, November). FDA updates in urology: October 2025. Retrieved from https://www.urologytimes.com/view/fda-updates-in-urology-october-2025
18. Targeted Oncology. (2025, November). October 2025: A look at FDA oncology approvals and designations. Retrieved from https://www.targetedonc.com/view/october-2025-a-look-at-fda-oncology-approvals-and-designations
Research Conferences and Organizations
19. Prostate Cancer Foundation. (2025, October 29). Prostate Cancer Foundation's Scientific Retreat showcases latest advancements from renowned leaders in prostate cancer research. Retrieved from https://www.pcf.org/2025-pcf-scientific-retreat/
20. ZERO Prostate Cancer. (2025). 2024/2025 Advanced Prostate Cancer Newsletter. Retrieved from https://zerocancer.org/newsletters/advanced-prostate-cancer/2024-2025
Additional Clinical Information
21. CancerNetwork. (2025, October). Niraparib combo boosts rPFS in metastatic HRR-altered CSPC. Retrieved from https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/niraparib-combo-boosts-rpfs-in-metastatic-hrr-altered-cspc
22. Technology Networks. (2025, October 7). Niraparib shows promise in advanced prostate cancer trial. Retrieved from https://www.technologynetworks.com/cancer-research/news/amplitude-trial-targeted-therapy-slows-prostate-cancer-progression-405506
23. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2025). Adding niraparib to standard treatment may slow cancer growth for some patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/adding-niraparib-standard-treatment-may-slow-cancer-growth
GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT): Hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels in the body to slow prostate cancer growth.
Androgen Receptor (AR): A protein on cells that testosterone binds to, driving prostate cancer growth when activated.
BRCA1/BRCA2: Genes involved in DNA repair; mutations in these genes increase cancer risk and may make tumors more responsive to PARP inhibitors.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC): Cancer that continues to grow despite hormone therapy that lowers testosterone to castration levels.
Enzalutamide: An anti-androgen drug that blocks the androgen receptor, preventing testosterone from fueling cancer growth.
Genomic Testing: Analysis of genes in cancer cells to identify mutations that might guide treatment decisions.
Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR): A DNA repair system; mutations in HRR genes make cancer more aggressive but potentially more responsive to PARP inhibitors.
Metastatic: Cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body, most commonly bones or lymph nodes.
Multimodal AI (MMAI): Artificial intelligence that analyzes multiple types of data (images, clinical information) simultaneously for more accurate predictions.
Niraparib: A PARP inhibitor that blocks cancer cells' ability to repair DNA damage, causing them to die.
Oligometastatic Disease: Cancer that has spread to only a few (usually 1-5) sites, potentially treatable with localized therapies.
PARP Inhibitor: A drug that blocks PARP enzymes, which cancer cells need to repair their DNA. Particularly effective in cancers with HRR gene mutations.
Poly-ICLC: A viral-mimicking drug that stimulates the immune system, potentially helping it recognize and attack cancer cells.
Progression-Free Survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives without the cancer worsening.
PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen): A protein highly expressed on prostate cancer cells, used as a target for both imaging and treatment.
Radioligand Therapy: Treatment using radioactive molecules that attach to specific targets on cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to tumors.
Theranostics: Using radioactive substances to both diagnose (see) and treat cancer, often targeting the same molecule like PSMA.
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DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only.
It does not constitute medical advice.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.
© 2025 Informed Prostate Cancer Support Group Newsletter
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