Genomic and phenotypic heterogeneity in prostate cancer

From a clinical, morphological and molecular perspective, prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Primary prostate cancers are often multifocal, having topographically and morphologically distinct tumour foci. Sequencing studies have revealed that individual tumour foci can arise as clonally distinct lesions with no shared driver gene alterations. This finding demonstrates that multiple genomically and phenotypically distinct primary prostate cancers can be present in an individual patient. Lethal metastatic prostate cancer seems to arise from a single clone in the primary tumour but can exhibit subclonal heterogeneity at the genomic, epigenetic and phenotypic levels. Collectively, this complex heterogeneous constellation of molecular alterations poses obstacles for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. However, advances in our understanding of intra-tumoural heterogeneity and the development of novel technologies will allow us to navigate these challenges, refine approaches for translational research and ultimately improve patient care. This Review summarizes the manifestations of inter-tumoural and intra-tumoural heterogeneity in primary and metastatic prostate cancer, emphasizing the contribution of genomics studies and discussing the importance of phenotypic changes. The authors also critically discuss the implications for clinical management and research.

Automated summary

Prostate cancer is heterogeneous, with primary tumors being multifocal and metastatic tumors potentially originating from a single clone but exhibiting subclonal heterogeneity at the genomic, epigenetic, and phenotypic levels. The complex heterogeneous constellation of molecular alterations poses challenges for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.