PD-L1 overexpression in prostate cancer: a potential targeted therapy

Background: Prostate cancer frequently presents with a non-specific clinical appearance, similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In many countries, early detection and treatment of prostate cancer are associated with lower mortality rates. Several prostate cancer biomarkers have been studied, one of which is programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), currently used as a therapeutic method. This study aimed to examine the expression of PD-L1 in prostate cancer and BPH. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study involving subjects diagnosed with prostate cancer by histopathological examination. The expression of PD-L1 from 30 prostate tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR. Data were then analyzed using the ANOVA test and continued with the Post Hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: From a total of 30 prostate tissues that were examined histopathologically, ten samples were BPH (33.3), ten samples were non-metastatic prostate cancer (non-MPCa) (33.3), ten samples were metastatic prostate cancer (MPCa) (33.3). The data analysis showed significant differences in PD-L1 expression between groups (p=0.000). The Post Hoc test showed significant differences between the non-MPCa group and BPH (p=0.003; 95 CI 36.1-142.8) and the MPCa group with BPH (p=0.000; 95 CI 50.9-127.3). Conclusion: PD-L1 was overexpressed in the prostate cancer group, both in non-metastatic Pca and metastatic Pca. As a result, using PD-L1 inhibitors in the early stages of the disease may improve survival and prognosis. © 2023, Sanglah General Hospital. All rights reserved.