Phase 3 trials are testing several combinations. Mevrometostat, an EZH2 inhibitor, plus enzalutamide is being compared with enzalutamide alone in metastatic castration-sensitive disease. Xaluritamig, a PSMA-directed T-cell engager, plus abiraterone is in Phase 3 for chemotherapyDrugs that kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.Click for full explanation →-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan is being studied versus observation in PSMA-positive oligometastatic disease. AAA817, another PSMA radioligand, is being tested in patients who progressed after lutetium-177 PSMA. Adaptive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with dose escalation is in Phase 3 for high-risk disease. Earlier studies include tulmimetostat with luxdegalutamide for mCRPC, neoadjuvant relugolix and enzalutamide before local therapy, and theranostic pairs targeting the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and somatostatin receptors. Laboratory work aims to drug the intrinsically disordered transactivation domain of the AR, exploit chromosome instability driven by UFL1 loss, and identify novel AR-independent drivers of progression including DNA damage repair alterations and lineage plasticity.
Where the evidence stands
Hormonal therapyTreatments that reduce or block hormones that fuel certain cancers.Click for full explanation → and modern AR pathway inhibitors are firmly established with documented overall survivalThe percentage of patients still alive after a set period — a key clinical trial endpoint.Click for full explanation → gains. PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy with lutetium-177 PSMA-617 is approved and being extended into earlier disease and into patients who have already received it. PARP inhibitorsDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → for HRR-mutated disease are an established second pillar. The next wave, T-cell engagers, EZH2 inhibitors, and additional radioligands, is in late Phase 3. AR transactivation domain inhibitors and lineage-plasticity targeting therapies remain mostly preclinical or early clinical.
What this means for people affected
Prostate cancer outcomes have improved markedly with second-generation hormonal agents, PARP inhibitorsDrugs that block PARP enzymes, exploiting DNA repair defects in cancer cells such as those with BRCA mutations.Click for full explanation → for selected subgroups, and PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy. PSMA PET imaging now guides staging and treatment decisions, and germline and tumor genetic testing is increasingly part of standard work-up to identify BRCAGenes whose mutations significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Click for full explanation → and other DNA repair gene alterations. The field has many active Phase 3 programs, suggesting more options are likely in the next few years. Localized disease has multiple effective alternatives with different side-effect profiles, and trade-offs between treatments such as low-dose-rate brachytherapy and ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy are being directly compared. Active surveillance with serial MRI is now well-supported for low-risk and selected favorable intermediate-risk disease, allowing many men to defer or avoid definitive treatment. For advanced disease, sequencing of available therapies and access to clinical trialsA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → are common discussion points with the care team, particularly when standard options have been exhausted.
Last updated May 1, 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.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations over time, not a controlled experiment.Published: May 18, 2026
New Model Helps Predict Prostate Cancer Recurrence
Researchers analyzed data from 3,010 patients who had prostate cancer surgery to see if the amount of cancer left behind affected the likelihood of cancer coming back. They found that several factors, including the size of the remaining cancer, were linked to a higher risk of recurrence. The study suggests that a new model could help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk.
Why it matters: This finding could help doctors better counsel patients and choose the right treatments after prostate cancer surgery.
Efficacy
The 5-year survival rates without biochemical recurrence were 93%, 81%, and 47% for good-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups, respectively.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: April 29, 2027
Darolutamide Trial for Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer in India
This trial is studying how safe and effective darolutamide is when used with standard treatment for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer in Indian participants. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial will help doctors understand how well darolutamide works in real-world conditions.
Why it matters: This trial will provide valuable information about the use of darolutamide in treating non-metastatic prostate cancer in Indian patients.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: April 14, 2028
Testing SYNC-T Therapy SV-102 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying a treatment called SYNC-T Therapy SV-102 for people with metastatic prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapyTreatments that reduce or block hormones that fuel certain cancers.Click for full explanation →. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet known.
Why it matters: This trial may help researchers understand if SYNC-T Therapy SV-102 is a safe and effective treatment option for people with this type of cancer.
Phase 2 TrialTests early effectiveness in a larger group after phase 1 safety is established.Est. completion: June 30, 2028
Monitoring Prostate Cancer with Advanced Imaging
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the use of a special imaging technique called hyperpolarized pyruvate MR imaging to monitor patients with prostate cancer who are on active surveillance. The trial aims to see if this technique can help doctors track the cancer's progression. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
Why it matters: This trial could help doctors make more accurate decisions about patient care by providing a more detailed picture of the cancer's activity.
✦ Significant findingA meaningful signal from later-stage research, or a strong phase 2 result that stands out from routine findings.Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.Published: May 13, 2026
New Technique May Improve Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcomes
Researchers compared a new surgical technique called NeuroSAFE to standard prostate cancer surgery. They found that NeuroSAFE may improve recovery of urinary continence and sexual function, and reduce the risk of leaving cancer behind. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Why it matters: This finding could help improve the quality of life for men undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
Efficacy
NeuroSAFE was associated with significantly improved postoperative erectile function (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.46-2.74) and urinary continence recovery (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.05-1.76).
Most nonrandomized studies carried a serious risk of bias, which limits causal inference.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: December 1, 2026
Studying Prostate Cancer with PET Scans in Men with Low PSA Recurrence
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is using PET scans to study prostate cancer in men with very low levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study are not yet known.
Why it matters: This trial may help researchers better understand how to detect and monitor prostate cancer in its early stages.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: March 30, 2029
Studying Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Researchers are conducting an observational study to learn more about the effects of Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan in people with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. The study is currently recruiting participants. The results of this study have not yet been determined.
Why it matters: This trial may provide valuable information about the potential benefits and risks of Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan for people with metastatic prostate cancer.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations over time, not a controlled experiment.Published: May 13, 2026
MRI Scans Help Predict Prostate Cancer Growth
Researchers used MRI scans to try and predict a type of prostate cancer growth that's hard to detect. They found that their method was able to reduce unnecessary treatment in some patients, but it's not perfect and may miss some cases.
Why it matters: This finding could help doctors make better decisions about which patients can safely avoid aggressive treatment.
Efficacy
The model reduced overtreatment by 9% in CPG-1+2 men and 8% in CPG-1+2+3(GG2) men.
This study was small and involved patients who had already undergone surgery, which may limit its applicability to other patients.
PreclinicalLab or cell studies. No human data yet.Est. completion: January 15, 2029
Testing Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men with Low Testosterone and Prostate Cancer
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on men with low testosterone and localized prostate cancer who are being monitored but not treated. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.
Why it matters: This trial aims to provide more information about the safety and effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone and prostate cancer.
Phase 1 TrialFirst-in-human trial. Focuses on safety and dosing in small groups.Published: May 13, 2026
New Insights into Immune Response after Prostate Cancer Treatment
Researchers studied how the immune system changes in five men with prostate cancer after a new treatment called irreversible electroporation. They found that the treatment caused changes in the immune system, including an increase in certain immune cells and a decrease in others. However, the long-term effects of this treatment are still unclear.
Why it matters: This study may help doctors understand how to use irreversible electroporation in combination with other treatments to fight prostate cancer.
This study had a small sample size of five patients.
Observational StudyPatterns observed in populations over time, not a controlled experiment.Published: May 13, 2026
Robot-Assisted Prostate Surgery Research Trends
Researchers analyzed 271 papers on single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to understand global trends and hotspots in the field. They found a significant increase in publications since 2019, with the United States and Italy leading in publication volume. The focus of research has shifted from initial feasibility studies to in-depth studies on complication control and optimization of outcomes.
Why it matters: This study helps identify areas where more research is needed to solidify the evidence base for the long-term benefits of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
Phase 3 TrialLarge controlled trial comparing treatments. The strongest level of trial evidence.Est. completion: April 1, 2027
Testing Radium-223 with Docetaxel in Prostate Cancer Patients
This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the combination of Radium-223 and Docetaxel in patients with prostate cancer. The trial is currently active but not recruiting participants. The goal is to gather data on the safety and effectiveness of this treatment combination.
Why it matters: This trial aims to provide more information about the potential benefits and risks of combining Radium-223 and Docetaxel for patients with prostate cancer.
A Study to Learn More About How Safe Darolutamide is and How Well it Works Under Real World Conditions When Taken in Addition to Standard Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in Indian Participants With High-risk Non-metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC)
A Study to Learn How Safe the Study Treatment Actinium-225-macropa-pelgifatamab (BAY3546828) is, How it Affects the Body, How it Moves Into, Through and Out of the Body, and About Its Anticancer Activity in Participants With Advanced Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)
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)
This Study Will Explore Whether a Combination of the Investigational Drug Mevrometostat (PF-06821497) and Enzalutamide Will Work Better Than Taking Enzalutamide Alone in Participants With mCSPC Who Are ARPI naïve.
