GDF15: A Promising Biomarker & Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer
A modern understanding of the role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in prostate cancer is emerging, offering potential for improved diagnostics and therapies, according to research published in the Chinese Medical Journal and highlighted by EurekAlert! on January 30, 2026.
Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related illness and death for men globally, with advanced and metastatic forms proving particularly challenging to treat due to therapy resistance and the inherent variability of the disease. Traditional biomarkers, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), have limitations in accurately predicting prognosis, prompting a search for more precise molecular markers.
GDF15, a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor–β superfamily, is increasingly recognized for its involvement in prostate cancer development and progression. The protein is often triggered by cellular stress, inflammation and malignant processes. Research indicates that GDF15 expression is significantly elevated in both prostate cancer tissues and the bloodstream, particularly in advanced stages of the disease.
The Chinese Medical Journal review details how GDF15 influences tumor metabolism, enabling cancer cells to survive in challenging conditions characterized by low oxygen and limited nutrients. By modulating mitochondrial function and responses to oxidative stress, GDF15 promotes metabolic flexibility that supports tumor growth and persistence. This metabolic adaptation is crucial for cancer cell survival.
Beyond its metabolic effects, GDF15 plays a role in facilitating the spread of cancer, especially to the bone – a common site of metastasis in lethal prostate cancer. Preclinical studies demonstrate that GDF15 enhances the ability of cancer cells to move, invade surrounding tissues, and undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a process that allows them to migrate to distant sites. The protein also alters the tumor microenvironment, modifying the composition of surrounding cells and creating conditions that favor tumor growth and survival.
The clinical significance of GDF15 as a biomarker is gaining traction. Elevated circulating levels of GDF15 have been correlated with metastatic disease, poorer prognoses, and reduced overall survival rates. Researchers suggest that incorporating GDF15 into diagnostic panels could improve the differentiation between aggressive and indolent forms of the disease, potentially reducing overtreatment in low-risk patients and identifying those who would benefit from early intervention.
Current research is focused on targeting GDF15 as a therapeutic strategy. Experimental monoclonal antibodies and inhibitors designed to disrupt GDF15 signaling are under investigation, with the aim of reversing cachexia (muscle wasting), restoring sensitivity to chemotherapy, and boosting the immune response. Combining GDF15 inhibitors with existing treatments like chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, or immunotherapy is also being explored as a potential synergistic approach.
According to the Mayo Clinic, biopsies are often used to confirm the presence of prostate cancer cells in metastatic cases, involving a needle inserted through the skin to collect cells for laboratory analysis. Although, the role of GDF15 in guiding treatment decisions and predicting response to therapy remains an area of active investigation. Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing of treatment, identify the most suitable patient populations, and assess the long-term safety of GDF15-targeted therapies.
Despite advances in treatment, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains a significant clinical challenge, as noted by research published in PMC. The therapeutic landscape for mCRPC is rapidly evolving, with ongoing efforts to overcome resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and identify new treatment strategies.