Optimizing the diagnosis and management of ductal prostate cancer

Ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) is the most common variant histological subtype of prostate carcinoma and has an aggressive clinical course. DAC is usually characterized and treated as high-risk prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (PAC). However, DAC has a different biology to that of acinar disease, which often poses a challenge for both diagnosis and management. DAC can be difficult to identify using conventional diagnostic modalities such as serum PSA levels and multiparametric MRI, and the optimal management for localized DAC is unknown owing to the rarity of the disease. Following definitive therapy for localized disease with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, the majority of DACs recur with visceral metastases at low PSA levels. Various systemic therapies that have been shown to be effective in high-risk PAC have limited use in treating DAC. Although current understanding of the biology of DAC is limited, genomic analyses have provided insights into the pathology behind its aggressive behaviour and potential future therapeutic targets. Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the most common variant histological subtype of prostate cancer. The diagnosis can be challenging and evidence for treatment is predominantly based on retrospective data. This Review discusses the histopathology, characteristics, treatment options and future molecular targets for treatment of this disease.

Automated summary

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the most common variant histological subtype of prostate cancer, with an aggressive clinical course. Diagnosis and treatment pose challenges, and evidence for treatment is predominantly based on retrospective data.