Setting the standards for prostate cancer research

Advances in imaging, molecular phenotyping, precision biomarkers, and expanding therapeutics present new opportunities and challenges in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Working Group (PCWG) brings together international leaders across clinical oncology, translational science, nuclear medicine, radiology, and biostatistics to align trial design and therapeutic development around the evolving understanding of the disease.

In its most recent iteration, PCWG4 updated recommendations on patient and tumor characterization, disease state terminology, imaging criteria including PSMA-PET, biomarker-based eligibility, and patient-reported outcomes, extending guidance into earlier androgen pathway modulator–naïve and –sensitive disease states.

PCWG members develop rigorous, evidence-based standards for clinical trial conduct that reflect a heterogeneous and diverse patient population, with the goal of maximizing survival and quality-of-life benefits for the patients most likely to benefit from emerging therapies.

Publications

• Trial Design and Objectives for Patients With Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From the Prostate Cancer Working Group 4 Armstrong AJ, Morris MJ, Abida W, et al. · Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2026
• Trial Design and Objectives for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Updated Recommendations From the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group 3 Scher HI, Morris MJ, Stadler WM, et al. · Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2016
• Design and end points of clinical trials for patients with progressive prostate cancer and castrate levels of testosterone: recommendations of the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group Scher HI, Halabi S, Tannock I, et al. · Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2008
• Eligibility and Outcomes Reporting Guidelines for Clinical Trials for Patients in the State of a Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen: Recommendations From the Prostate-Specific Antigen Working Group Scher HI, Eisenberger M, D'Amico AV, et al. · Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004
• Eligibility and Response Guidelines for Phase II Clinical Trials in Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From the Prostate-Specific Antigen Working Group Bubley GJ, Carducci M, Dahut W, et al. · Journal of Clinical Oncology, 1999

Advances in germline genetics, and related therapeutic opportunities, present new opportunities and challenges in prostate cancer and other hereditary cancers. Composed of leaders across multiple disciplines, the PCCTC Germline Genetics Working Group (GGWG) was formed in 2017 to create a collaborative clinical and research culture aligned around germline genetics and targeted therapeutics. GGWG members develop creative, scalable strategies to deliver high-quality personalized genetics care to patients.

Publications

• Disparities in germline testing among racial minorities with prostate cancer Weise N, Shaya J, Javier-Desloges J, et al. · Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 2022
• Practical Considerations and Challenges for Germline Genetic Testing in Patients With Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From the Germline Genetics Working Group of the PCCTC Szymaniak BM, Facchini LA, Giri VN, et al. · JCO Oncology Practice, 2020
• Ethnic disparities among men with prostate cancer undergoing germline testing Kwon DH, Borno HT, Cheng HH, et al. · Urologic Oncology, 2020
• Germline Genetic Testing in Advanced Prostate Cancer; Practices and Barriers: Survey Results from the Germline Genetics Working Group of the PCCTC Paller CJ, Antonarakis ES, Beer TM, et al. · Clinical Genitourinary Cancer, 2019
• Evolving Intersection Between Inherited Cancer Genetics and Therapeutic Clinical Trials in Prostate Cancer: A White Paper From the Germline Genetics Working Group of the PCCTC Carlo MI, Giri VN, Paller CJ, et al. · JCO Precision Oncology, 2018

Rising incidence rates and unique clinical challenges among younger men with prostate cancer underscore the need for specialized care approaches. Composed of leaders across multiple disciplines, the PCCTC Early Onset Prostate Cancer Working Group (EOPC) was formed in 2026 to advance clinical care, research, and quality of life for men diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age. EOPC Working Group members are developing evidence-based guidelines and age-appropriate care pathways that address the distinct biological, treatment, and survivorship needs of younger patients facing decades of life with and beyond prostate cancer.

The ADT Sparing/Limiting Working Group is a multidisciplinary collaboration of leading prostate cancer investigators focused on advancing innovative treatment strategies that reduce, optimize, or potentially replace androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for selected patients.

The group is evaluating ADT-sparing and ADT-limiting approaches across the full spectrum of prostate cancer clinical states, with the goal of identifying key research gaps, defining clinically meaningful trial endpoints, exploring biomarker-driven patient selection, and developing novel study designs that balance treatment efficacy with patient-centered outcomes.

Through evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative scientific discussion, the Working Group aims to produce a comprehensive white paper, establish a research roadmap for investigators and sponsors, and foster the development of multicenter clinical trials that challenge traditional treatment paradigms and advance the next generation of prostate cancer care.