Targeting DNA repair defects for precision medicine in prostate cancer

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Genomic studies of localized and metastatic prostate cancer have identified a high prevalence of clinically actionable alterations including mutations in DNA repair genes. In this manuscript, we review the current knowledge on DNA repair defects in prostate cancer and provide an overview of how these alterations can be targeted towards a personalized prostate cancer management. Recent Findings: Twenty to 25% of metastatic prostate cancers harbor defects in DNA repair genes, most commonly in the homologous recombination genes. These defects confer increased sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy or poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Recent trials also support a synergistic effect of combining these therapies with androgen receptor-targeting agents. Identification of mismatch-repair defects could result in defining a prostate cancer population who may benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. These data have implications for family testing and early diagnosis, as many of these mutations are linked to inherited risk of prostate cancer. Summary: The DNA damage repair pathways are clinically relevant in prostate cancer, being a target for precision medicine; combination with standard-of-care androgen receptor (AR)-targeting agents may be synergistic.