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CLOSEProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death among men. The identification of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers is crucial for improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Previous studies by our group have shown that a subset of PCa patients who responded favorably to vaccination shared distinct immunogenetic and molecular features: expression of HLA-DR11 and/or HLA-A24 alleles, low pre-vaccination TGFβ levels, and endogenous IFNγ responses to the vaccine. Notably, the frequency of HLA-A24 was higher among long-term survivors, while patients carrying HLA-A2 exhibited poorer clinical outcomes and elevated TGFβ.
The present project aims to validate these findings in a larger cohort and to identify additional immune and molecular biomarkers defining a predictive immunological signature for PCa. Specifically, we will assess HLA alleles (A24, DR11, A2.1), serum TGFβ, and IFNγ production upon stimulation with recombinant HER-2/neu and PSA antigens. In parallel, serum levels of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miR-34a, -145, -224, -452, -200b, -382, -372, -133, -146a) will be quantified.
In HLA-A24+ patients, the frequency of CD8+/PSA152–160+ T cells and their TCR-Vβ repertoire will be analyzed as additional prognostic and predictive factors. The validation of these biomarkers could lead to the development of a robust prognostic tool, enabling clinicians to identify patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapeutic approaches and to experience slower disease progression.
