A research team led by Professor Shu-Pin Huang from the Institute of Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University has developed an innovative precision testing system for advanced hormonal therapies used in prostate cancer treatment. With the growing clinical demand for effective therapies against metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), second-generation hormonal drugs have become a mainstay treatment option. However, the challenge of drug resistance in certain patients has significantly impacted therapeutic efficacy.
To address this issue, Huang’s team has integrated genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics to create a precision-driven drug selection system. This breakthrough technology enables clinicians to accurately tailor treatment strategies, significantly improving therapeutic outcomes and extending patient survival.
The core of this novel prostate cancer drug recommendation system lies in its multi-faceted approach, which combines whole-transcriptome analysis, machine learning algorithms, and weighted gene expression analysis. The research team collected genetic data from 180 prostate cancer patients, cross-referencing these with clinical response data to identify key prognostic biomarkers that differentiate high- and low-response groups. These biomarkers serve as critical indicators for predicting patient response to second-generation hormonal therapies.
By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, the system customizes drug recommendations for individual patients, optimizing treatment efficacy. Preliminary validation results demonstrate prediction accuracies of 84.5% for androgen synthesis inhibitors (ASI) and 90% for androgen receptor blockers (ARB). Beyond clinical benefits, the system is expected to reduce ineffective treatments, minimize unnecessary drug expenditure, and alleviate financial burdens on healthcare systems.
Professor Huang emphasized that the precision testing system is currently undergoing validation in collaboration with multiple medical centers. The team is actively working to enhance data accuracy and model stability through expanded clinical partnerships. Moving forward, they plan to develop a cost-effective customized gene chip, paving the way for scalability and commercialization.
Additionally, to safeguard intellectual property and facilitate global adoption, the team has initiated patent applications and is exploring partnerships with international medical device companies. These efforts aim to bring this transformative technology to market, ultimately benefiting prostate cancer patients worldwide.
Resource: 基因檢測結合機器學習 精準檢測賀爾蒙藥物抗攝護腺癌！
