The most recent studies on prostate cancer open new avenues for diagnosis and personalized treatment. This is stated by two studies carried out by the Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology structures of the UNISS, directed by Professor Ciriaco Carru, and from the Urological Clinic of the Aou of Sassari, directed by the professor Massimo Madonia. The results were presented during the conference “Technological innovation in the treatment of prostate cancer: from clinical molecular biology to robotics”, which took place in the main hall of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Sassari. The studies present Agmatine and microRNAs as promising biomarkers for more precise and targeted management of the disease.
The event, sponsored byAgency university hospital of Sassarifrom theUniversity of Sassarifrom the Lilt Sassari and from Foundation of Sardiniasaw the participation of industry experts.
«The studies – which as you mentioned Ciriaco Carru were published in 2022 in “Biomolecules” and “The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics” – they identified Agmatine as a biomarker of cell proliferation in prostate cancer. By measuring Agmatine levels in the blood, the study allowed patients to be classified into three risk groups, supporting a differential diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.”
Furthermore, the expert highlighted how some microRNAs are crucial molecular tools for the clinical management of prostate cancer. These microRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, regulate key cellular processes and contribute to a precision oncology approach.
The conference underlined the value of collaboration between research and advanced technology in the treatment of prostate cancer, with a series of high-level multidisciplinary interventions. The doctor Donatella Coradduzza presented a preliminary study on circulating biomarkers, which allow the disease to be identified early and the most aggressive forms to be distinguished. This innovation is fundamental for stratifying patients according to risk profiles, improving the effectiveness of therapies.
The teacher Serenella Medici instead, he illustrated the importance of analyzing heavy metals as potential risk factors. His research examines how certain elements present in the blood can influence the progression of prostate cancer, adding a new piece to the understanding of environmental factors linked to cancer.
The professor Giuseppe Palmieri highlighted the importance of liquid biopsy in the personalized treatment of prostate cancer. Precisely with advanced genetic testing, it is possible to identify specific mutations that guide treatment and improve disease management, especially in patients with advanced disease. These advances allow the therapy to be better calibrated for each patient, implementing precision oncology.
Another relevant topic covered during the event was psychological support for cancer patients. The doctor Stefania Sedda discussed the importance of psychological therapy, highlighting how emotional support positively affects the quality of life of patients and their families, helping them manage anxiety and depression.
The value of screening among men over 50 was highlighted by Dr Alessandro Tedde who explored the topic of robotics, and by Dr Giusy Romano which brought us into the field of new therapies and new therapeutic protocols.
The congress also examined the latest technologies in diagnostic and surgical fields. The doctor Antonio Achene explained how multiparametric MRI, an advanced non-invasive technique, allows us to distinguish significant lesions from low-risk ones, reducing the need for biopsies. This method improves patient comfort and makes the diagnosis more accurate.
In the debate, an important role was given to the Da Vinci Single Port platform, one of the latest innovations in robotic surgery, recently introduced at the Aou of Sassari. Robotic surgery represents a significant advancement for prostate cancer patients, who can now benefit from a safer and more effective treatment.
The event closed with a special thank you to the sections Lilt of Sassariwhich also saw the presence of the president Marco Bisailthen from Nuoro, Oristano and Cagliari, who supported studies on the characterization of the cellular subtypes of prostate cancer and on the value of psychological support.
