New Biomarkers May Predict Failure of Treatment in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Recent research has uncovered blood-based biomarkers that could help predict the likelihood of treatment failure in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, including both hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant forms. Published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, the study highlights the significance of markers such as platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and chromogranin A in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients undergoing combined androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI). For castration-resistant cases, microRNA-375 (miR-375) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were identified as key predictors.

The study involved analyzing plasma samples from 140 patients before starting ARPI therapy. Using digital PCR, researchers measured androgen receptor (AR) gene amplification, while quantitative PCR assessed miR-375 levels. Additionally, 16 clinical markers, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), chromogranin A, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and others, were evaluated.

Findings revealed that in castration-resistant prostate cancer, elevated miR-375 levels and lower LMR independently predicted therapy failure. For hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, higher levels of platelets, CRP, and chromogranin A were associated with poorer treatment outcomes. These biomarkers are important because they may reflect the tumor’s biology and the immune environment, influencing treatment response.

Particularly noteworthy is the role of platelets, which facilitate metastasis by supporting tumor cell survival and growth. The study emphasizes that measuring these blood-based markers can aid clinicians in monitoring disease progression and adjusting therapies more effectively. With further validation, these findings could lead to more personalized and timely treatment strategies for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Lead researcher Dr. Jan Bouchal from Palacký University highlights that these markers are accessible and easily implemented in clinical laboratories, making them promising tools for improving patient management. The integration of such biomarkers into routine practice could significantly enhance the prediction of treatment outcomes and guide decisions for more aggressive or alternative therapies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-analysis-markers-failure-metastatic-prostate.html