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Toripalimab shows biochemical and radiographic response in a patient with MSI-H mCRPCToripalimab shows promise for a patient with advanced prostate cancer

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Key Takeaway
Note that toripalimab may show activity in mCRPC patients with MSI-H/TMB-H biomarkers, but evidence is limited.

This case report details the clinical course of a 79-year-old male patient diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) characterized by MSI-H and TMB-H (91.5 mutations/Mb). The patient received toripalimab 240 mg intravenously every 21 days in combination with leuprorelin.

During the follow-up period of at least 21 months (31 cycles), the patient demonstrated a significant biochemical response, with serum PSA levels dropping from 102 ng/mL to below 0.09 ng/mL. Radiographic assessment showed target lesion shrinkage from 119 mm to 43 mm at cycle 6, and further to 31 mm by cycle 25. Additionally, pelvic lymph nodes resolved on imaging after six cycles. No adverse events were identified using CTCAE version 5.0.

The authors note that this single-case observation does not provide proof of universal toripalimab activity. The report highlights the potential value of genomic profiling for mCRPC patients with relevant biomarkers. Due to the small sample size, these results are hypothesis-generating and do not establish a standard of care.

How this fits prior evidence

This case report addresses a gap in evidence regarding immunotherapy for mCRPC. While prior coverage noted that talazoparib plus enzalutamide improves progression-free survival in metastatic prostate cancer with HR gene alterations, this report explores the role of toripalimab in a patient with specific biomarkers (MSI-H/TMB-H). It does not directly relate to the reported efficacy of toripalimab in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma or the risks of hypokalemia associated with ARATs.

Living with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer means facing a disease that has spread and is difficult to treat. For one 79-year-old man with a specific genetic profile, a new treatment approach showed significant results. He received toripalimab, an immunotherapy drug, alongside other standard medications.

During the 21-month treatment period, his lab results showed a dramatic improvement. His PSA levels, which measure prostate-specific antigens, dropped from 102 ng/mL to less than 0.09 ng/mL. Additionally, imaging showed his tumors shrinking from 119 mm down to 31 mm, and his pelvic lymph nodes showed improvement on scans.

While these results are encouraging, it is important to remember this was a single-case report. Because only one patient was observed, we cannot say for certain that this treatment will work for everyone. However, it highlights how looking at a patient's specific genetic markers can help doctors find better options for advanced cancer.

What this means for you:
A single patient saw significant tumor shrinkage and improved lab results after receiving toripalimab for prostate cancer.

Common questions

What were the results for the patient with prostate cancer?

The patient saw a significant drop in his PSA levels from 102 ng/mL to less than 0.09 ng/mL. Imaging also showed his tumors shrinking from 119 mm to 31 mm over 25 cycles, and his pelvic lymph nodes showed improvement after six cycles of treatment.

Is this treatment safe for patients with prostate cancer?

In this specific case, no adverse events were identified using standard safety scales during the treatment period. However, because this was a single-case report, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness for a larger group of people.

Who specifically would benefit from this treatment?

This case highlights the value of genomic profiling. The patient had specific markers, including MSI-H and TMB-H, which helped identify him as a candidate for this specific immunotherapy approach for his advanced prostate cancer.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedOct 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
We present a 79-year-old male patient with MSI-H/TMB-H (91.5 mutations/Mb) metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who progressed following abiraterone and enzalutamide treatment. When toripalimab was started, his serum PSA was 102 ng/mL. We maintained androgen-deprivation therapy with leuprorelin and stopped enzalutamide. Toripalimab 240 mg was given intravenously every 21 days. His PSA dropped below 0.09 ng/mL after three treatment cycles. We retrospectively applied RECIST version 1.1 criteria and selected the locally invasive prostate-soft-tissue mass as our only measurable non-nodal target lesion. Its maximal diameter shrank from 119 mm at baseline to 43 mm after six cycles (63.9% reduction), and further to 31 mm after 25 cycles (73.9% reduction), satisfying criteria for partial response. Pelvic lymph nodes could only be classified as non-target disease because short-axis diameters were unavailable in imaging reports, though these nodes resolved on imaging after six cycles. Bone lesions were not included in RECIST response evaluation and were interpreted separately on serial bone scans. At cycle 31 (roughly 21 months after toripalimab commencement), PSA stayed undetectable without clinical or radiological signs of progression; the biochemical response persisted for about 19 months starting from cycle 3. As of manuscript revision, the patient remains on toripalimab plus leuprorelin with routine follow-up. No treatment-related adverse events were identified using CTCAE version 5.0. We also conducted a targeted narrative review of mCRPC cases treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors other than pembrolizumab. This single-case observation highlights the value of genomic profiling for mCRPC patients with relevant biomarkers. Readers should interpret these findings as hypothesis-generating and not proof of universal toripalimab activity.
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