PROTEUS Trial at ASCO 2026: Perioperative Apalutamide Plus ADT in high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer

PROTEUS (Phase III) — presented at the ASCO 2026 Plenary by Mary‑Ellen Taplin, MD — found that adding apalutamide to perioperative androgen‑deprivation therapy (given before and after radical prostatectomy, for about one year) in men with high‑risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer increased major pathologic responses and reduced the risk of metastasis or disease‑related death, meeting both primary endpoints. The international trial (co‑led by Taplin and Adam Kibel, MD) has prompted plenary‑level discussion about changing perioperative practice — and surgeons are already updating their talking points. Sources: PROTEUS ASCO presentation and coverage (Medical Xpress, ESMO, OncoDaily).