Recent advancements in personalized management of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy exhibits heterogeneous prognostic implications. Recent advancements in imaging and biomarkers have high potential for personalizing care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging (PSMA)-PET/CT has revolutionized the BCR management in prostate cancer by detecting microscopic lesions earlier than conventional staging, leading to improved cancer control outcomes and changes in treatment plans in approximately two-thirds of cases. Salvage radiotherapy, often combined with androgen deprivation therapy, remains the standard treatment for high-risk BCR postprostatectomy, with PSMA-PET/CT guiding treatment adjustments, such as the radiation field, and improving progression-free survival. Advancements in biomarkers, genomic classifiers, and artificial intelligence-based models have enhanced risk stratification and personalized treatment planning, resulting in both treatment intensification and de-escalation.

SUMMARY: While conventional risk grouping relying on Gleason score and PSA level and kinetics remain the foundation for BCR management, PSMA-PET/CT, novel biomarkers, and artificial intelligence may enable more personalized treatment strategies.