Upcycling HOXB13: enhancing prostate cancer detection with a novel antibody

J Pathol. 2024 Apr;262(4):391-394. doi: 10.1002/path.6258. Epub 2024 Feb 9.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent and, upon metastasis, deadliest cancers in men. Timely identification is essential for effective treatment. Furthermore, accurate determination of prostatic origin is crucial for personalized therapy once the cancer has spread. However, current prostate cancer screening methods are lacking. A recent article in The Journal of Pathology addresses this issue by utilizing an improved antibody to reevaluate HOXB13 as a lineage marker for prostate cancer. The study's findings support the concept that, despite decreased expression in advanced prostate cancer, HOXB13 remains highly suitable for determining prostatic origin due to its androgen receptor independence, high specificity, and sensitivity. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Keywords: HOXB13; androgen receptor; lineage marker; neuroendocrine prostate cancer; precision oncology; prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Male
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Immunoglobulins
  • HOXB13 protein, human