Treatment decisions in new era of individualized therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer guided by Dana-Farber case study

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Study Title: Early Treatment Intensification in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

Publication: Journal of Clinical Oncology

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute authors: Jeremiah Wala; MD, PhD, Paul Nguyen, MD, MBA; Mark Pomerantz, MD

Summary:Oncologists have traditionally prescribed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

Now there are many possible treatment options. Clinical trials have shown that more aggressive up-front treatment with a range of combination therapies improves outcomes. This case study shows how Dana-Farber Cancer Institute oncologists interpreted the evidence from these trials and applied it to an individual patient with mHSPC.

The researchers recommend aggressive up-front treatment with triplet therapy (ADT, an androgen-receptor pathway inhibitor, and chemotherapy) for patients who can tolerate chemotherapy, and especially for patients with high-volume disease. For patients with low-volume disease, they recommend adding radiation therapy if feasible. The researchers also recommend the use of PSMA-PET scans to find metastases, evaluate treatment response, and identify potential sites for radiation.

Impact: Choosing a treatment approach requires interpretation of the results of many trials and the consideration of multiple factors unique to each patient. This case study provides that interpretation and gives evidence-based guidance for how to navigate decision-making for individual patients.

Funding: This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute

Contact:  Victoria Warren, Victoria_Warren@dfci.harvard.edu, 617-939-5531