Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that has become central to prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics and treatment. Beyond its enzymatic role in folate and glutamate metabolism, PSMA is upregulated in advanced PCa, where it contributes to angiogenesis, tumour progression, and therapeutic resistance. This review integrates current understanding of PSMA biology with an emphasis on the role of PSMA expression and the hallmarks of cancer-proliferative signalling, metabolic adaptation, and evasion of cell death. While PSMA has revolutionised theranostic strategies in PCa, its utility as a sole biomarker is limited in select cases such as neuroendocrine differentiation and discordant disease biology. To address these challenges, we highlight emerging biomarkers and novel imaging markers that complement PSMA, including genomic alterations, circulating tumour markers, and exosomal microRNAs. Advances in radiomics and dual-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) further refine patient selection by capturing aggressive low-PSMA phenotypes. Furthermore, PSMA-PET is showing promise in other malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), where neovasculature expression may extend its theranostic applications beyond PCa. By situating PSMA within this broader biomarker landscape, we outline opportunities for theranostic integration, including predictive models, combination therapies and expansion into non-prostate malignancies. Understanding the biology of PSMA in conjunction with novel biomarkers provides a framework for optimising theranostic applications and advancing personalised cancer care.
Vitreousness is an important quality characteristic that affects the yield of semolina during milling of durum wheat. It has been observed that kernel vitreousness seems to be lower when durum is exposed to damp conditions just before harvest. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of high relative humidity (RH) on kernel vitreousness of ten durum wheat cultivars. Spikes were exposed to 88% RH at room temperature for 1 and 3 days. This resulted in increased spike moisture, kernel moisture and kernel size. Vitreous kernel content (vitreousness) decreased 23.6% after spikes were exposed to high relative humidity for 3 days. Exposure to 88% RH caused the greatest decline in vitreousness with the cultivar ‘Ben’
Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) offers superior accuracy over conventional imaging for the primary staging of intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer and in the biochemical recurrence (BCR) setting. In 2022, PSMA-PET became eligible for subsidy under Australia’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), reducing financial constraints and improving access for patients. This study presents the first national analysis of PSMA-PET uptake in Australia since MBS subsidization. This was a retrospective population-based analysis of PSMA-PET studies performed between July 2022 and March 2025 using MBS codes 61563 (primary staging) and 61564 (BCR). Data were stratified by year, state, age group, and setting and standardized per 100000 men using population data. A total of 90,412 PSMA-PET imaging studies were performed during the study period, with 60,995 for primary staging and 29,417 for BCR. There was a significant increase for primary staging with an average rise of 1.56 studies per 100000 men (P = 0.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.07–2.99). New South Wales recorded rapid and sustained growth, while Queensland maintained the highest per capita usage. Uptake for BCR rose modestly with similar geographic heterogeneity observed (P = 0.28; 95% confidence interval = 0.37–1.23). Our findings demonstrate rapid and widespread uptake of PSMA-PET in Australia following MBS subsidization, especially in primary staging. Regional disparities in access persist, particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. These findings highlight the impact of national health policy on imaging utilization to improve diagnostic staging, and detection of recurrence in prostate cancer, and emphasize the need to address geographic inequities in advancing diagnostic care.
Background: Oligometastatic bladder cancer (OMBC) is increasingly recognised as an intermediate state between localised and widespread metastatic disease, although its definition and optimal management remain uncertain. Patients with OMBC have a generally more favourable prognosis compared to patients with metastatic disease. However, its definition, diagnostic criteria, and optimal management remain poorly standardised. Methods: This narrative review summarises current evidence on the definitions, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for OMBC, with an emphasis on emerging biological and molecular insights that may refine disease classification and guide therapy. Results: Existing definitions of OMBC rely on lesion count and anatomical distribution, overlooking molecular and clinicopathological heterogeneity that influences prognosis and treatment response. Advances in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved detection of small-volume disease, while liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA show promise for assessing micrometastatic burden. Therapeutic approaches, including metastasis-directed and consolidative therapies, are under investigation. Nonetheless, most data are derived from small, retrospective series, and evidence from prospective studies remains limited. Conclusions: Prospective, biomarker-integrated, and randomised trials are essential to refine definitions, optimise patient selection for therapy, and define the role of precision-based multimodal therapy in OMBC management.
Background: Small renal masses (SRMs) are increasingly prevalent. Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is usually reserved for diagnosis of benign renal disease or secondary metastatic disease. SRMs are frequently benign or of low malignant potential. Invasive treatment may result in significant morbidity. Current literature supports the use of PRB in diagnostic assessment of SRMs. We aim to assess the rates of PRB in Australia since its introduction in the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS). Methods: Data regarding PRBs for the period between January 2000 and December 2024 were extracted from the MBS. Paediatric patients aged <15 years were excluded. Population-adjusted incidences were calculated using publicly available demographic data. Results: A total of 31,870 PRBs were performed between 2000 and 2024, with an average year-on-year increase of 0.24 PRBs per 100,000 persons per year (95% CI: 0.21–0.27) and an absolute increase of 4.9 PRBs per 100,000 persons. Males had higher PRB rates than females (mean difference: 2.73 per 100,000/year). The largest rise was in NSW, increasing by 13.6 per 100,000, with similar increases in VIC and QLD (4.9 and 2.8 per 100,000, respectively). SA, TAS, and ACT experienced significant reductions (5.7, 3.5, and 6.0 per 100,000, respectively). There was significant inter-state heterogeneity (p < 0.001). PRB rates were highest among the 55–74 and ≥75 age groups. The PRB:nephrectomy ratio increased significantly (0.02/year; 95% CI: 0.016–0.024). Conclusions: The consensus supporting PRBs for SRMs is reflected in Australia. However, there remains significant heterogeneity between demographic groups. Further work is necessary to ensure standard-of-care treatment accessibility to prevent overtreatment.