Cuproptosis in prostate cancer: Molecular mechanisms, prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic frontiers of cuproptosis‑related genes (Review).

Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most prevalent malignancies in males globally and management remains complex. In recent years, cuproptosis, an emerging form of cell death, has offered novel insights for PCa treatment. Cuproptosis refers to a copper‑mediated cellular death mechanism that is intricately associated with mitochondrial metabolism, with cuproptosis‑related genes (CRGs) exerting a notable effect on both cuproptosis and PCa. CRGs and other cuproptosis‑associated indicators have demonstrated efficacy as prognostic predictors of PCa and these predictors may exhibit potential as novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of PCa. The mechanisms underlying cuproptosis in PCa remain to be fully elucidated; thus, further research is required to validate the expression patterns of CRGs and their associated indicators and examine the potential association with the characteristics, treatment responses and prognoses of patients with PCa. The present study aimed to investigate novel therapeutic strategies that may enhance the prognosis and quality of life of patients with PCa.