Utility of plasma cell-free DNA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

IJU Case Rep. 2020 Jun 7;3(4):141-144. doi: 10.1002/iju5.12172. eCollection 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Cell-free DNA is suggested as a prognostic biomarker in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, it remains unknown which parameter of cell-free DNA is correlated with the progression and prognosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Case presentation: A 75-year-old man with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (serum prostate-specific antigen 4891 ng/mL, Gleason score 4 + 5 = 9, cT3bN1M1) was referred to our department. He first received sequential hormonal therapies and was consequently diagnosed metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 64 months after initial treatment. He underwent serial examinations of plasma cell-free DNA, including concentration, androgen receptor amplification, TP53 point mutation, and PTEN loss. Only the cell-free DNA concentration increased along with disease progression and declined after the administration of abiraterone and enzalutamide.

Conclusion: This case presented that cell-free DNA concentration was possibly correlated with response to castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment and disease progression. Cell-free DNA concentration was proposed as a potential prognostic biomarker of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Keywords: androgen receptor; biomarker; castration‐resistant prostate cancer; cell‐free DNA; concentration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports