Publications by authors named "K J Pienta"

PSMA-PET/CT has emerged as a superior diagnostic tool for prostate cancer, demonstrating enhanced accuracy over conventional imaging methods. Although sensitive for detecting local and metastatic prostate tumors, it can also identify other non-prostate PSMA positive lesions. Here, we report a rare case of a 67-year-old patient with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma who was found to have an incidental Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), during restaging with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT.

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The evolution of metastasis, the spread of cancer to distal sites within the body, represents a lethal stage of cancer progression. Yet, the evolutionary dynamics that shape the emergence of metastatic disease remain unresolved. Here, using single-cell lineage tracing data in combination with phylogenetic statistical methods, we show that the evolutionary trajectory of metastatic disease is littered with bursts of rapid molecular change as new cellular subpopulations appear, a pattern known as punctuational evolution.

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Article Synopsis
  • The research investigates how prostate cancer adapts to changing environments and the role of the Polyaneuploid Cancer Cell (PACC) state in metastasis, suggesting that PACC can enhance metastatic potential.
  • Evidence from previous studies shows that the presence of PACC in patient tumors correlates with a higher risk of future metastasis, prompting the use of innovative methods to analyze circulating and disseminated tumor cells from animal models.
  • The findings reveal that a significant majority of these tumor cells were in the PACC state, and specific traits associated with PACC contribute to its ability to spread and colonize new sites, raising concerns about the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments that may inadvertently promote metastasis.
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Article Synopsis
  • The text discusses the major challenges and inquiries surrounding prostate cancer research and treatment expected to be prominent in 2024.
  • It highlights key areas such as the effectiveness of current therapies, the role of genetic factors in prostate cancer, and advancements in screening methods.
  • The focus is on encouraging innovative approaches and ongoing research to improve diagnosis, treatment options, and patient outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.
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Introduction: The 11th Annual 2024 Coffey - Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting, was themed "Personalized Medicine: Leave No Patient Behind," and was held from June 20 to 23, 2024 at the University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin Conference Center, in Los Angeles, CA.

Methods: The CHPCA Meeting is an academy-styled annual conference organized by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, to focus discussion on the most critical emerging research that have the greatest potential to advance knowledge of prostate cancer biology and treatment. The 2024 CHPCA Meeting was attended by 75 academic investigators and included 37 talks across 8 sessions.

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