Active research includes new androgen receptor inhibitors such as deutenzalutamide, androgen receptor degraders, and the CYP11A1 inhibitor opevesostat, which is being compared with next-generation hormonal agents in mCRPC. PARP inhibition is being tested earlier, with saruparib added to radiotherapy and ADT in high-risk localised disease. Antibody-drug conjugates such as ifinatamab deruxtecan, and bispecific T-cell engagers such as xaluritamig, are being developed for metastatic disease. Radioligand therapies are a particularly active area: studies combine lutetium-177 PSMA-617 with sipuleucel-T, with enzalutamide, and with investigational partners, while actinium-225 labelled agents including actinium-225 macropa-pelgifatamab and [225Ac]Ac-AKY-1189 are in phase 1. Mevrometostat, an EZH2 inhibitor, is being evaluated after androgen receptor pathway inhibition. Focal therapy, aquablation, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and integrated genomic scoring for biopsy decisions are also being actively studied.
Where the evidence stands
The strongest evidence supports early intensification of hormonal therapyTreatments that reduce or block hormones that fuel certain cancers.Click for full explanation →: multiple phase 3 trials established that adding abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, or darolutamide to ADT improves survival. Lutetium-177 PSMA-617 has phase 3 backing in mCRPC. Newer radioligands using actinium-225, bispecific T-cell engagers, and androgen receptor degraders remain in phase 1 testing, so their benefit and safety profile are still being defined. PARP inhibitorDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → intensification in high-risk localised disease is in phase 3 and could change practice if results are positive.
What this means for people affected
Prostate cancer is heterogeneous: many men with localised disease live a long time with minimal treatment, while others with metastatic disease now have an expanding set of options that have extended survival meaningfully. Genomic testing for BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation → and other DNA repair mutationsA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →, together with PSMA imaging to guide radioligand therapy, are becoming standard decision points. The field is moving towards earlier, more personalised use of drugs that used to be reserved for late disease, and towards combining radioligands with other systemic therapies. Active surveillance remains an important choice for low-risk localised disease, and shared decision-making around prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening continues to evolve as long-term outcome data accumulate.
Last updated April 22, 2026
Recent research findings
Understanding evidence levels▼
PreclinicalLab or cell studies — no human data yet.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may not apply to humans.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human safety testing in small groups.
Phase 2 TrialEarly effectiveness testing in a larger group.
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial — the strongest trial evidence.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations — not a controlled trial.
ReviewSummary analysis of multiple existing studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: April 21, 2026
Updated Swedish Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Researchers updated the Swedish national guidelines for treating prostate cancer that has recurred, spread, or is resistant to hormone therapyTreatments that reduce or block hormones that fuel certain cancers.Click for full explanation →. The new guidelines recommend using a specific imaging test only when prostate-specific antigen levels are high, and prioritize a new type of hormone therapyTreatments that reduce or block hormones that fuel certain cancers.Click for full explanation →. The guidelines also provide more detailed recommendations for treating patients with limited cancer spread.
Why it matters: These updated guidelines may influence how prostate cancer is treated in Sweden and potentially inform future treatment approaches worldwide.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: April 21, 2026
New Imaging Technique Studies Seminal Vesicles in Prostate Cancer
Researchers used a new imaging technique called multifrequency MR elastography to study the seminal vesicles in healthy men and those with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. They found that the technique was able to measure the viscoelastic properties of the seminal vesicles, which may be a useful marker for disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This finding could lead to a better understanding of prostate cancer and its progression, which may inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: April 30, 2030
Comparing Surgical Methods for Prostate Cancer Treatment
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is comparing three surgical methods for treating prostate cancer: robot-assisted laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy, and laparotomy. Researchers will assess the effects of these methods on urinary and erectile function before and after surgery. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial aims to help doctors understand which surgical method is most effective for treating prostate cancer with minimal side effects.
Recruiting participants, exact phase not specified
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial comparing treatments. The strongest level of trial evidence.Est. completion: April 30, 2036
Testing Saruparib in Men with High-Risk Prostate Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying whether adding saruparib to standard treatment can help men with high-risk prostate cancer and a BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation → live longer without their cancer spreading. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial aims to improve treatment options for men with high-risk prostate cancer and a BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →mutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: January 1, 2037
Comparing Aquablation Therapy to Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the effectiveness of aquablation therapy compared to radical prostatectomy for patients with localized prostate cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study will help determine which treatment is more suitable for patients with this condition.
Why it matters: This trial aims to provide more information about the best treatment options for patients with localized prostate cancer.
Lab StudyLaboratory experiments on cells or tissue. No human or animal data.Published: April 20, 2026
Prostate Cancer Study Links UFL1 Deficiency to Chromosome Instability
Researchers studied how a protein called UFL1 affects prostate cancer cells. They found that when UFL1 is missing, cells have trouble dividing and can become cancerous. This could be an important factor in how prostate cancer develops.
Why it matters: This finding could help scientists understand how prostate cancer grows and spread, which could lead to new treatments.
The study was conducted in a lab setting, using cell cultures and experiments.
ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: April 18, 2026
Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer: Current Role and Future Directions
Researchers reviewed recent studies on pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer management. They found that this procedure may improve staging accuracy and metastasis-free survival in some patients, but the benefits are limited and not definitively established.
Why it matters: This finding matters for understanding the role of pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer treatment and for developing more individualized surgical strategies.
Efficacy
Recent studies suggest that extended pelvic lymph node dissection may be associated with modest improvements in metastasis-free survival (MFS) in selected patients.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: February 28, 2031
Prostate Cancer Treatment Trial: Radiation Therapy and Medication Combination
Researchers are studying a combination of radiation therapy and medications to treat prostate cancer that has returned after initial treatment. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to learn more about the effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters: This trial may help doctors develop a more effective treatment plan for men with recurrent prostate cancer.
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial comparing treatments. The strongest level of trial evidence.Est. completion: August 31, 2031
Study of Darolutamide in Combination with Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Docetaxel for Prostate Cancer
This trial is studying the safety and effectiveness of a combination treatment for men with low volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. The treatment includes the medication darolutamide, androgen deprivation therapy, and docetaxel. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial may help doctors understand how well this combination treatment works for men with this type of prostate cancer.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations over time, not a controlled experiment.Published: April 17, 2026
Black Men's Experiences with Prostate Cancer Survivorship
Researchers interviewed 22 Black men who had survived prostate cancer to learn about their experiences and how they navigated survivorship. They found that these men emphasized the importance of self-directed health education, treatment adherence, and advocacy for early detection. Understanding personal and family health history was also seen as crucial for effective communication with providers.
Why it matters: This study highlights the need for more targeted support and education for Black men living with prostate cancer, which may help reduce health disparities.
ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Published: April 17, 2026
New Cancer Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Researchers looked at new ways to treat advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to standard treatments. They found several promising approaches, including new medicines and imaging techniques. These new treatments target different aspects of the cancer, but more research is needed to see how well they work.
Why it matters: This research could lead to new treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Est. completion: June 30, 2027
Testing a New Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a new treatment called RO7656594 for people with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. The trial aims to evaluate the safety, how the treatment is absorbed and processed by the body, and its effectiveness. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial may help determine if RO7656594 is a safe and effective treatment option for people with advanced prostate cancer.
A Study of Metastases Free Survival With Saruparib vs Placebo Added to a Standard RT/ADT in Men With High-risk Prostate Cancer With a BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation →MutationA change in DNA sequence that can drive cancer development.Click for full explanation →
A Study of Opevesostat (MK-5684) Versus Alternative Next-generation Hormonal Agent (NHA) in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) Post One NHA (MK-5684-004)
A Study to Learn About the Investigational Medicine Called PF-06821497 (Mevrometostat) in Men With mCRPC Who Were Previously Treated With Abiraterone Acetate for Prostate Cancer (MEVPRO-1).
A Study to Learn About How Safe Darolutamide is and How Well it Works in Combination With Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Docetaxel in Routine Medical Care for Japanese Men With Low Volume Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Plus Immediate or Delayed Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitor and Androgen Deprivation Therapy or Salvage Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer, DIVINE Trial
