Multiplex protein analysis and ensemble machine learning methods of fine needle aspirates from prostate cancer patients reveal potential diagnostic signatures associated with tumour grade

Minimally invasive biopsy-based diagnostics in support of precision cancer medicine

Precision cancer medicine (PCM) to support the treatment of solid tumors requires minimally invasive diagnostics. Here, we describe the development of fine-needle aspiration biopsy-based (FNA) molecular cytology which will be increasingly important in diagnostics and adaptive treatment. We provide support for FNA-based molecular cytology having a significant potential to replace core needle biopsy (CNB) as a patient-friendly potent technique for tumor sampling for various tumor types. This is not only because CNB is a more traumatic procedure and may be associated with more complications compared to FNA-based sampling, but also due to the recently developed molecular methods used with FNA. Recent studies show that image-guided FNA in combination with ultrasensitive molecular methods also offers opportunities for characterization of the tumor microenvironment which can aid therapeutic decisions. Here we provide arguments for an increased implementation of molecular FNA-based sampling as a patient-friendly diagnostic method, which may, due to its repeatability, facilitate regular sampling that is needed during different treatment lines, to provide tumor information, supporting treatment decisions, shortening lead times in healthcare, and benefit healthcare economics.

The Potential of Extracellular Matrix- and Integrin Adhesion Complex-Related Molecules for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery

Prostate cancer is among the top five cancer types according to incidence and mortality. One of the main obstacles in prostate cancer management is the inability to foresee its course, which ranges from slow growth throughout years that requires minimum or no intervention to highly aggressive disease that spreads quickly and resists treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous studies have attempted to find biomarkers of prostate cancer occurrence, risk stratification, therapy response, and patient outcome. However, only a few prostate cancer biomarkers are used in clinics, which shows how difficult it is to find a novel biomarker. Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins is among the essential processes that govern its fate. Upon activation and ligation, integrins form multi-protein intracellular structures called integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). In this review article, the focus is put on the biomarker potential of the ECM- and IAC-related molecules stemming from both body fluids and prostate cancer tissue. The processes that they are involved in, such as tumor stiffening, bone turnover, and communication via exosomes, and their biomarker potential are also reviewed.