Towards implementation of precision medicine biomarkers in early detection and prognostication of prostate cancer.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer-related incidence and the fifth-highest cause of cancer mortality in males. Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a wide spectrum of clinical behaviour, ranging from indolent to highly aggressive. Molecular approaches, such as genomic testing, can augment existing clinical risk stratifications and tailor management to the individual. Genomic tests that sample biopsy or surgical tissue can provide a molecular risk assessment and identify actionable therapy targets. Liquid biopsy, while still emerging, may provide a non-invasive alternative to tissue tests and enable longitudinal monitoring of tumour status. We first discuss the molecular landscape of prostate cancer, before providing a detailed overview of the molecular approaches available for early detection and prognostication. Furthermore, methodological considerations and barriers towards clinical implementation for these tests are discussed, highlighting areas of future research.