MicroRNA-Based Germline Signature Predicts RT-Induced Genitourinary Toxicity in Prostate Cancer

FRIDAY, April 18, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- A biomarker consisting primarily of microRNA-based germline biomarkers (mirSNPs), PROSTOX, is valid for predicting radiotherapy (RT)-induced genitourinary (GU) toxicity in patients with prostate cancer, according to a study published online April 7 in Clinical Cancer Research.Amar U. Kishan, M.D., from the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues validated a previously identified biomarker of late RT-induced GU toxicity (PROSTOX) and examined the possibility of temporally and genetically defining other forms of RT-associated GU toxicity in 148 patients enrolled in a trial comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus computed tomography-guided prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).The researchers found that PROSTOX predicted late GU toxicity accurately, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76, demonstrating strong correlation with GU toxicity grade. Acute and chronic RT toxicity can be distinguished with mirSNP-based signatures (AUCs, 0.770 and 0.763). Unique pathways involved in each form of GU toxicity (acute, chronic, and late) were identified in a gene ontology analysis."This study validated PROSTOX as a predictive biomarker and confirmed that a genetic predisposition to increased toxicity persists with modern, high-precision SBRT, including MRI-guided SBRT. This finding reinforces PROSTOX as a true measure of the biological response to radiation, independent of treatment era or technique that can identify the safest course of treatment to avoid toxicity," Kishan said in a statement.One author disclosed ties to MiraDx, which licensed intellectual property from Yale University surrounding microRNA-binding site variants.Abstract/Full Text.Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter