Prostate Cancer

Treatments & research overview

What researchers are actively studying

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
PreclínicoLab or cell studies — no human data yet.
Estudio en animalesResults in animals only — may not apply to humans.
Ensayo Fase 1First-in-human safety testing in small groups.
Ensayo Fase 2Early effectiveness testing in a larger group.
Ensayo Fase 3Large controlled trial — the strongest trial evidence.
Estudio observacionalPatterns observed in populations — not a controlled trial.
RevisiónSummary analysis of multiple existing studies.
MetaanálisisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026

COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Urological Cancer Diagnosis and Survival

Researchers analyzed data from patients with prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer to see how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their diagnosis and survival. They found that fewer people were diagnosed with these cancers in 2020, and those who were diagnosed were more likely to have advanced stages. However, the pandemic did not seem to affect how long patients lived with these cancers.

Why it matters: This study helps us understand how the pandemic may have affected cancer diagnosis and treatment, which could inform future research and care.
PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 22, 2026

Evaluating a New Questionnaire for Prostate Cancer Research

Researchers developed a questionnaire to assess lifestyle factors that might affect prostate cancer progression. They asked experts to review and provide feedback on the questionnaire. The experts generally thought the questionnaire was useful and relevant.

Why it matters: This finding could help researchers better understand how lifestyle factors impact prostate cancer and develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
PubMed
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 21, 2026

New Approach to Managing Cancer Treatment Resistance

Researchers used a mathematical model to develop a new strategy for managing cancer treatment resistance. They found that this approach might be effective in certain situations, but more research is needed. The strategy involves adjusting the dose of medication to balance the growth of sensitive and resistant cancer cells.

Why it matters: This finding could lead to new treatment options for patients with cancer that is resistant to standard therapies.

The study used a mathematical model and numerical simulations, and its findings are based on a specific type of cancer (prostate cancer).

PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 21, 2026

Prostate Cancer Progression Slows in Sweden

Researchers in Sweden studied 2,421 patients with a type of advanced prostate cancer. They found that the time it takes for the cancer to progress or for patients to die increased from 2017 to 2023. However, the overall survivalThe percentage of patients still alive after a set period — a key clinical trial endpoint.Click for full explanation → time remained the same.

Why it matters: This finding may help doctors understand how to improve treatment for patients with this type of cancer.
Efficacy

The median time to progression or death increased from 19.9 months to 30.0 months.

PubMed
Estudio de laboratorioExperimentos de laboratorio en células o tejidos. Sin datos humanos ni animales.Published: May 21, 2026

New Method for Predicting Prostate Cancer Outcomes

Researchers used a machine learning model to predict the survival of prostate cancer patients. They compared two different ways of representing certain features, such as tumor stage and Gleason score, and found that one method was more accurate. This method, called embedding encoding, may help doctors make better predictions about patient outcomes.

Why it matters: This finding could help doctors make more accurate predictions about prostate cancer patient outcomes, which could inform treatment decisions.
PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 21, 2026

Cancer Survivors' Views on Chatbots for Health Advice

Researchers interviewed 21 breast and prostate cancer survivors about their experiences with four different chatbots. They found that survivors valued trust, accuracy, and clear explanations when using chatbots. The study suggests that chatbots should be designed to provide clear and personalized advice.

Why it matters: This study's findings can inform the development of trustworthy and effective chatbots for cancer survivors.
PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 20, 2026

Rare Failure of Prostate Cancer Treatment Highlights Need for Monitoring

Researchers reported a rare case of a man with prostate cancer who didn't respond to a common treatment. Despite following the treatment plan, his testosterone levels didn't drop and actually increased over time. This was unusual because his PSA levels did decrease when another medication was added.

Why it matters: This finding highlights the importance of regularly monitoring testosterone levels to ensure that prostate cancer treatment is working effectively.
PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 19, 2026

Marital Status and Prostate Cancer Outcomes After Surgery

Researchers studied how marital status affects prostate cancer outcomes in over 8,000 men who had surgery to remove their prostate. They found that being married was not strongly linked to better or worse outcomes. However, they did not investigate other types of support, like how happy couples are or how much support men feel from their partners.

Why it matters: This study helps us understand how social support might affect prostate cancer outcomes, which could inform future research on how to improve care for men with this disease.

This study was based on data from a Veterans Affairs cohort, where other support systems may be available to men.

PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 19, 2026

Rare Case of Prostate Cancer Mimics Rectal Cancer

Researchers reported a case of a man with a history of prostate cancer who developed symptoms that suggested a different type of cancer, rectal cancer. However, a biopsy confirmed that the cancer was actually a recurrence of the prostate cancer. This case highlights the importance of getting a definitive diagnosis through a biopsy.

Why it matters: This finding emphasizes the need for histological confirmation when initial tests and clinical picture are discordant, even in previously well-controlled disease.
PubMed
Estudio observacionalPatrones observados en poblaciones a lo largo del tiempo, no es un experimento controlado.Published: May 19, 2026

Understanding Prostate Cancer Screening Preferences Among American Indian Men

Researchers are conducting a study to learn about American Indian men's preferences for prostate cancer screening. They will use a survey to ask men about their preferences and analyze the results. This study aims to identify culturally appropriate screening strategies for American Indian men.

Why it matters: This study's findings can help healthcare providers understand how to offer prostate cancer screening in a way that is respectful and effective for American Indian men.

The study is still ongoing, with formative qualitative research in progress and DCE data collection expected to start in April 2026.

PubMed
Ensayo Fase 2Evalúa la eficacia inicial en un grupo más amplio después de establecer la seguridad en la fase 1.Est. completion: February 1, 2027

Evaluating Prostatic Artery Embolization for Prostate Issues

This clinical trialA research study that tests a medical intervention in human volunteers.Click for full explanation → is studying the safety and effectiveness of a procedure called Prostatic Artery Embolization for treating prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The trial is currently active but not recruiting participants. The results of this trial are not yet available.

Why it matters: This trial aims to gather more information about the potential benefits and risks of Prostatic Artery Embolization for prostate health.

Active but not recruiting participants

ClinicalTrials.gov
Ensayo Fase 1Primer ensayo en humanos. Se centra en la seguridad y dosificación en grupos pequeños.Est. completion: July 30, 2030

Testing Xaluritamig in Adults With Advanced Prostate Cancer

This trial is studying Xaluritamig in adults with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The trial is currently recruiting participants. The goal is to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of Xaluritamig in this patient group.

Why it matters: This trial may provide valuable information about a potential treatment option for people with advanced prostate cancer.

Recruiting participants

ClinicalTrials.gov

Related clinical trials

PHASE1RECRUITING

Trial of Xaluritamig in Adults With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

NCT07493512
PHASE2ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization

NCT04879940
PHASE3RECRUITING

A Study to Learn How PF-06821497 (Mevrometostat) Works in Men With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

NCT06629779
RECRUITING

Prospective Monitoring of Subjects With Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer Using 18FDCFPyL

NCT05588128
NAACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Daily Adaptive Post-Prostatectomy With Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in Patients With Prostate Cancer

NCT05830838
PHASE3ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Conventional or Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer

NCT03987386
PHASE3RECRUITING

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 →

NCT06952803
PHASE1RECRUITING

Study of DCC-2812 in Participants With Advanced Genitourinary Cancers

NCT06966024
PHASE3ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

A Study to Compare Darolutamide Given With Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and Placebo Given With ADT in Men With Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer and Raise of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels After Local Therapies

NCT05794906
RECRUITING

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

NCT06661122