MicroRNA-Based Germline Signature Predicts RT-Induced Genitourinary Toxicity in Prostate Cancer
FRIDAY, April 18, 2025 -- A biomarker consisting primarily of microRNA-based germline biomarkers (mirSNPs), PROSTOX, is valid for predicting radiotherapy (RT)-induced genitourinary (GU) toxicity in patients with prostate cancer, according to a study published online April 7 in Clinical Cancer Research.
Amar U. Kishan, M.D., from the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues validated a previously identified biomarker of late RT-induced GU toxicity (PROSTOX) and examined the possibility of temporally and genetically defining other forms of RT-associated GU toxicity in 148 patients enrolled in a trial comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus computed tomography-guided prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
The researchers found that PROSTOX predicted late GU toxicity accurately, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76, demonstrating strong correlation with GU toxicity grade. Acute and chronic RT toxicity can be distinguished with mirSNP-based signatures (AUCs, 0.770 and 0.763). Unique pathways involved in each form of GU toxicity (acute, chronic, and late) were identified in a gene ontology analysis.
"This study validated PROSTOX as a predictive biomarker and confirmed that a genetic predisposition to increased toxicity persists with modern, high-precision SBRT, including MRI-guided SBRT. This finding reinforces PROSTOX as a true measure of the biological response to radiation, independent of treatment era or technique that can identify the safest course of treatment to avoid toxicity," Kishan said in a statement.
One author disclosed ties to MiraDx, which licensed intellectual property from Yale University surrounding microRNA-binding site variants.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Read this next
Acute Cystitis Tied to Higher Risk for Urogenital Cancers
FRIDAY, Sept. 26, 2025 -- Acute cystitis may signal the presence of urogenital cancers in middle-aged adults, according to a study published online Sept. 16 in BMJ Public...
Guidelines Developed for Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy
THURSDAY, Sept. 25, 2025 -- In a clinical practice guideline published online Sept. 16 in Practical Radiation Oncology, recommendations are presented for the use of postmastectomy...
Wrist Cooling May Help Manage Vasomotor Symptoms
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 24, 2025 -- Targeted wrist cooling may offer a safe approach for managing vasomotor symptoms, according to a study published online Sept. 20 in Endocrinology...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.