The review examines evidence linking CP/CPPS with pain processing, immune activity, metabolism, and gut microbiota, and discusses potential diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Approach:
Review scope: The review examines evidence linking prostate inflammation with nervous-system pain processing, immune activity, metabolism, and gut microbiota.
Potential diagnostic components: Discussed approaches include candidate inflammatory biomarkers in expressed prostatic secretions, multiparametric MRI, microbiome analysis, and symptom-based assessment tools.
Potential treatment strategies: The authors discuss neuromodulation, interventions targeting inflammatory or metabolic pathways, microbiota-directed treatments, and integrated psychological support.
Key Findings:
CP/CPPS causes persistent pelvic pain, urinary difficulties, and sexual dysfunction, but diagnosis is challenging because symptoms vary and reliable laboratory biomarkers are lacking.
The authors propose that persistent inflammation may sensitize pelvic nerves and alter central pain processing, potentially contributing to symptoms that continue after local inflammation subsides.
Candidate biomarkers and imaging approaches are not yet able to reliably distinguish CP/CPPS subtypes.
Interpretation:
The authors argue that CP/CPPS should be considered in relation to interconnected biological processes rather than solely as a prostate disorder. They propose that combining diagnostic approaches could help identify mechanisms associated with individual symptoms and guide treatment selection.
Limitations:
Much of the supporting evidence comes from small observational studies, genetic analyses, or preclinical experiments.
Prospective studies and clinical trials are needed to validate biomarkers, establish clinically meaningful subgroups, and assess whether mechanism-guided treatment improves outcomes.
Conclusion:
The review presents a broader, mechanism-focused diagnostic framework as a proposal; its candidate tools and treatment strategies require further validation.
The session will provide practical insights for pathologists, molecular biologists, and laboratory professionals interested in applying digital PCR technologies for ESR1 research and assay workflow optimization.
