The Clinical Relevance of Tumor Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer—A Review
Zuzanna Majewska, Monika Zajkowska, Sara Pączek, Adam Nowinski, Weronika Sokólska, Mariusz Gryko, Karolina Orywal
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop accurate, accessible biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring. Tumor markers, which can be measured in blood, urine, or tissue, provide valuable information regarding tumor presence, progression, and response to treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of routinely used diagnostic and emerging biomarkers for prostate cancer, based on a systematic MEDLINE/PubMed search. Key biomarkers analyzed include PSA and its derivatives, PCA3, and TMPRSS2-ERG, as well as genomic tests such as Prolaris, Decipher, and ConfirmMDx, and liquid biopsy-based tests such as ExoDx Prostate and SelectMDx. This narrative review demonstrates that although PSA remains the mainstay of prostate cancer diagnosis, emerging molecular and genomic biomarkers are enhancing diagnostic specificity, refining risk stratification, and enabling more personalized patient care. The integration of routinely used and novel biomarkers can improve early detection, optimize treatment decisions, and ultimately improve outcomes of prostate cancer patients.