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PROTEUS Trial

Phase 3 randomized double-blind study of perioperative apalutamide (Erleada) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus placebo plus ADT — given before and after radical prostatectomy — in newly diagnosed high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Presented as an ASCO 2026 Plenary by Mary-Ellen Taplin, MD (Dana-Farber). At 61.7-month median follow-up, PROTEUS met both dual primary endpoints: pCR/MRD 8.9% vs 1.0% (OR 10.17) and metastasis-free survival HR 0.80 (p=0.02). Overall survival, an exploratory measure, showed no benefit (HR 1.08).

#ASCO26 · Plenary High-Risk Localized / Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer Apalutamide (Erleada) + ADT · perioperative Phase 3 · n=2109 · 18 countries Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson / Janssen ⚠️ Investigational (perioperative localized)
Explore PROTEUS Data

KOLs Discussing PROTEUS

Daniel E Spratt
@DrSpratticus
60.0K impressions
Toni Choueiri, MD
@DrChoueiri
30.2K impressions
Declan Murphy
@declangmurphy
23.3K impressions
Yüksel Ürün
@DrYukselUrun
20.3K impressions
Oncology Brothers
@OncBrothers
14.7K impressions
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
@neerajaiims
10.3K impressions

PROTEUS Key Slides & Visuals

Slides shared by KOLs at the ASCO 2026 Plenary (presented by Mary-Ellen Taplin, MD — Dana-Farber). Click any image to expand; expand “View OCR Text” for the full slide text.

New · ASCO 2026 Plenary Readout

PROTEUS primary results presented May 31, 2026. Perioperative apalutamide + ADT met both dual primary endpoints — pCR/MRD 8.9% vs 1.0% (OR 10.17, p<0.0001) and MFS HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.67–0.96, p=0.02). Overall survival, an exploratory endpoint, showed no benefit (HR 1.08). The KOL slide decks below capture the schema, dual-primary, EFS/distant-metastasis, safety, and conclusions slides.

Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
PROTEUS Final Analysis — Official Deck #ASCO26
#ASCO26 Plenary · May 31, 2026 · Primary Readout
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Martín Angel
Martín Angel @Martin_AngelMD
Dual Primary Endpoint — pCR/MRD #ASCO26
#ASCO26 Plenary · May 31, 2026
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Oncology Brothers
Oncology Brothers @OncBrothers
EFS, Safety & Conclusions #ASCO26
#ASCO26 Plenary · May 31, 2026
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Yüksel Ürün
Yüksel Ürün @DrYukselUrun
PROTEUS vs STAMPEDE — Context #ASCO26
#ASCO26 · May 31, 2026 · KOL Analysis
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Top PROTEUS Tweets

Daniel E Spratt @DrSpratticus

#ASCO26 The PROTEUS trial results are now online...buckle up as we wait to see the full presentation. This is going to be a trial that is likely highly controversial until the full results are published. Some may call this a homerun, others may call this the largest negative

1,936 imp31 likes2026-05-31
Declan Murphy @declangmurphy

Finalizing my PROTEUS Discussant talk for #ASCO26 Plenary. Biggest trial of surgery for prostate cancer, so much data, so many fascinating angles to consider. Will be big moment for Rx of high-risk prostate cancer. Look forward to Dr Taplin reading it out @DanaFarber_GU @gu_onc https://t.co/CM7wZGTeVD

20,759 imp115 likes2026-05-21
Toni Choueiri, MD @DrChoueiri

Our very own Prof. Mary-Ellen Taplin from @DanaFarber_GU opens up the plenary session at #ASCO26 with practice-changing results from the phase 3 PROTEUS trial. Perioperative apalutamide + ADT significantly improved pathologic response rates (8.9% vs 1.0%) and metastasis-free https://t.co/SOf8A6MEo6

1,346 imp29 likes2026-05-31
Toni Choueiri, MD @drchoueiri

As #ASCO26 is approaching, here are my top 10 GU abstracts to be presented (based on the titles). 1-Abstract LBA1: PROTEUS In high-risk localized prostate cancer, intensifying perioperative therapy may improve long-term outcomes, #DrMaryEllenTaplin from @DanaFarber_GU will https://t.co/5NjVPXJ50L

12,649 imp127 likes2026-04-27
Yüksel Ürün @dryukselurun

PROTEUS and STAMPEDE both support ARPI intensification in high-risk M0 prostate cancer, but across different designs and local treatments. The real advance is not “which wins?” It is “which patient, which path?” #ASCO26 @DrChoueiri @TiansterZhang @CathyEngMD @montypal https://t.co/7a0feCyAbL

9,712 imp84 likes2026-05-31
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO @neerajaiims

Breaking news #ASCO26 👉Ph3 PROTEUS trial👉Periop ADT + apalutamide in high-risk localized/locally advanced #prostatecancer undergoing radical prostatectomy👉↑ pathologic response (8.9% vs 1.0%) &amp; 5-yr metastasis-free survival (78.2% vs 73.5%; HR 0.80) @urotoday @OncoAlert https://t.co/PNCDH286DZ

6,929 imp30 likes2026-05-31
Oncology Brothers @oncbrothers

Day 3 #ASCO26 5 plenary highlights: 1. #PROTEUS: PeriOp/PostOp Apa in Prostate Ca 2. #SARC041: Adj Abema in dediff liposarcoma 3. #LIBRETTO432 : Adj Selpercatinib in NSCLC 4. #HARMONi6: 1L Ivonescimab in Sq mNSCLC 5. #RASolute302: 2L Daraxonrasib in Panc Ca @ASCO 1/6 https://t.co/8I3qtOtzSP

5,124 imp59 likes2026-05-31
Sabine D. Brookman-May @brookmans76

Finally #PROTEUS (#MyBaby) presents results. Significantly improved outcomes reported by Mary-Ellen Taplin for #neoadjuvant/perioperative treatment with #Apalutamide prior to #RadicalProstatectomy PCR/MFS (+based on #PSMAPET), Time to subsequent treatment, to distant mets https://t.co/hWNymvz7XX

3,644 imp24 likes2026-05-31
Dra. María Natalia Gandur Quiroga @nataliagandur

⭐ PROTEUS: perioperative intensification reaches the #ASCO26 Plenary and NEJM ⭐ A major moment for high-risk localized / locally advanced #ProstateCancer. 🚨 PROTEUS tests a clinically important question: Can intensifying systemic therapy around radical prostatectomy improve https://t.co/N0a9AamWUh

2,987 imp21 likes2026-05-31

Overview

PROTEUS (NCT03767244) is a Johnson & Johnson / Janssen-sponsored Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the androgen receptor pathway inhibitor apalutamide (Erleada) plus ADT versus placebo plus ADT, administered before and after radical prostatectomy (perioperative) in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. The rationale: combining intensified systemic androgen-pathway blockade with surgery — an approach already standard in other aggressive solid tumors — to deepen pathologic response and delay metastasis. The trial enrolled 2,109 patients across more than 200 sites in 18 countries. Principal investigator: Mary-Ellen Taplin, MD, FASCO (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard); co-led with Adam Kibel, MD (Brigham). Presented at the ASCO 2026 Plenary Session on May 31, 2026, with simultaneous publication in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Study Design

Phase 3 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter study (200+ sites, 18 countries). Dual primary endpoints assessed by blinded independent central review. Both endpoints met. Median follow-up 61.7 months.

Population

Newly diagnosed high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, candidates for radical prostatectomy. n=2109. All participants underwent protocol-defined radical prostatectomy.

Intervention

Experimental: Apalutamide 240 mg orally once daily + ADT, perioperatively (6 cycles neoadjuvant + adjuvant). Control: Placebo + ADT. Both arms underwent radical prostatectomy.

Endpoints

Dual primary: pathologic complete response/minimal residual disease (pCR/MRD, defined ypT0 or ypT2 with ≤5 mm residual) and metastasis-free survival (MFS, by conventional or PSMA-PET imaging, histopathology, or death). Exploratory: overall survival, safety. (MFS captured both conventional and PSMA-PET imaging, reflecting staging-technology evolution over the trial's long enrollment window.)

PROTEUS Plenary Results

INVESTIGATIONAL · PERIOPERATIVE LOCALIZEDApalutamide (Erleada) is FDA-approved in nmCRPC and mCSPC, but perioperative use in localized/locally advanced disease is investigational

PROTEUS is the first Phase 3 trial to show that adding apalutamide to ADT before and after radical prostatectomy improves pathologic response and metastasis-free survival in high-risk localized prostate cancer. Johnson & Johnson has framed the data as supporting a potential new standard of care.

Pathologic Complete Response / MRD (Co-Primary Endpoint)

PROTEUS met the pCR/MRD co-primary endpoint. The pCR/MRD rate was 8.9% with apalutamide + ADT versus 1.0% with placebo + ADTodds ratio 10.17 (95% CI 5.27–19.64), p<0.0001, a roughly nine-fold improvement after six cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. The stricter ypT0 (no residual tumor) rate was 5.1% vs 0.4%. Positive surgical margins at prostatectomy were present in 20.9% vs 42.7%, and an exploratory residual cancer burden response was reported in 30.6% vs 11.7% (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.67–4.23, p<0.0001).

pCR/MRD 8.9% vs 1.0% · OR 10.17 (95% CI 5.27–19.64) · p<0.0001 (J&J Press / ASCO Slide)Sources: PROTEUS Plenary pCR/MRD slide (OCR-verified) · OncoDaily ASCO 2026 detailed results · ASCO Post (surgical margins) · J&J press release

Metastasis-Free Survival (Co-Primary Endpoint)

PROTEUS also met the MFS co-primary endpoint. By blinded independent central review, apalutamide + ADT produced a statistically significant 20% reduction in the risk of metastasis or death — HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.67–0.96), p=0.02, with five-year MFS rates of 78.2% vs 73.5%. Investigator-assessed MFS was directionally stronger (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.87, p=0.0004). MFS was defined by conventional or PSMA-PET imaging. By conventional imaging alone, the difference was not statistically significant (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67–1.07); the significant primary result was driven substantially by PSMA-PET detection of distant metastases.

MFS (BICR) HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.67–0.96) · p=0.02 · 5-yr 78.2% vs 73.5% (NEJM / J&J Press)Sources: PROTEUS Plenary MFS slide (OCR-verified) · J&J press release · NEJM 2026 · SurvivorNet (conventional-imaging MFS) · NEJM 2026 (NEJMoa2603878)

Distant Metastasis & Recurrence (Secondary)

Time to distant metastasis (by conventional or PSMA-PET) favored apalutamide: HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.83), p=0.0002, with five-year distant-metastasis-free rates of 82.8% vs 76.2%. Investigators also reported a 29% reduction in prostate cancer recurrence (event-free survival HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.63–0.80, p<0.0001; median EFS 57.1 vs 38.4 months). Median time to first subsequent therapy was 74.2 vs 41.5 months (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.57–0.73, p<0.0001). Fewer apalutamide patients required subsequent therapy of any kind (42.4% vs 56.7%), including less subsequent systemic therapy (26.7% vs 36.4%) and less postoperative radiotherapy (13.0% vs 18.4%).

Distant mets HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.83) · p=0.0002 · 5-yr 82.8% vs 76.2% · EFS 57.1 vs 38.4 mo (ASCO Slide / J&J Press)Sources: PROTEUS Plenary secondary-endpoint slides (OCR-verified) · OncoDaily ASCO 2026 results · J&J press release (EFS, time to subsequent therapy)

Overall Survival (Exploratory — No Benefit)

Overall survival was an exploratory measure and the trial was not powered to detect it. At a median follow-up of five years with overall mortality of 8.5%, the hazard ratio for death was 1.08 — numerically unfavorable, though below the prespecified threshold for unacceptable detriment, and not a demonstration of survival benefit. The accompanying NEJM editorial stated that a confirmed OS benefit with longer follow-up has not been shown.

OS exploratory · HR 1.08 · mortality 8.5% · no benefit, not powered (NEJM Editorial)Sources: PROTEUS Plenary OS slide (OCR-verified) · SurvivorNet ASCO 2026 analysis · NEJM 2026 editorial

Safety & Tolerability

Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 39.6% of the apalutamide arm versus 31.0% of the placebo arm, with the difference driven primarily by rash (21.2% vs 10.0%) — a well-characterized apalutamide class effect. The overall profile was consistent with prior apalutamide experience (SPARTAN, TITAN), and no new safety signals were reported in the perioperative setting.

Grade 3/4 AEs 39.6% vs 31.0% · rash 21.2% vs 10.0% (NEJM / ASCO Slide)Sources: PROTEUS Plenary safety slide (OCR-verified) · SurvivorNet ASCO 2026 analysis · NEJM 2026

Regulatory & Clinical Implications

Apalutamide (Erleada) is currently FDA-approved in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). PROTEUS provides the first Phase 3 evidence for perioperative apalutamide in localized/locally advanced disease — an investigational use. Johnson & Johnson has positioned the dual-primary win as supporting a paradigm shift toward systemic-plus-surgery intensification. The trial met both co-primary endpoints (pCR/MRD and MFS); overall survival was exploratory with HR 1.08 and is not yet a demonstration of benefit.

Investigational in perioperative localized disease · potential new indication pending regulatory reviewSources: J&J press release · CancerNetwork ASCO 2026 coverage · UroToday ASCO 2026 (McKay)

Key KOL Sentiments — PROTEUS

DoctorDateSentimentComment
Toni Choueiri, MD
@DrChoueiri
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE Our very own Prof. Mary-Ellen Taplin from @DanaFarber_GU opens up the plenary session at #ASCO26 with practice-changing results from the phase 3 PROTEUS trial. Perioperative apalutamide + ADT significantly improved pathologic response rates (8.9% vs 1.0%) and metastasis-free https://t.co/SOf8A6MEo6
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE Breaking news #ASCO26 👉Ph3 PROTEUS trial👉Periop ADT + apalutamide in high-risk localized/locally advanced #prostatecancer undergoing radical prostatectomy👉↑ pathologic response (8.9% vs 1.0%) &amp; 5-yr metastasis-free survival (78.2% vs 73.5%; HR 0.80) @urotoday @OncoAlert https://t.co/PNCDH286DZ
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE Fantastic discussion by @declangmurphy @PeterMacCC @gu_onc on Proteus trial in high-risk/locally advanced #prostatecancer 👉 PeriOp ADT+apalutamide make the patients’ journey better &amp; do change standard of care in many pts @urotoday @urologysummit @OncoAlert @OpenMedicineHQ https://t.co/XinGPV5n3O https://t.co/RaQzD4Xz4X
Sabine D. Brookman-May
@brookmans76
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE Finally #PROTEUS (#MyBaby) presents results. Significantly improved outcomes reported by Mary-Ellen Taplin for #neoadjuvant/perioperative treatment with #Apalutamide prior to #RadicalProstatectomy PCR/MFS (+based on #PSMAPET), Time to subsequent treatment, to distant mets https://t.co/hWNymvz7XX
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE ⭐ PROTEUS: perioperative intensification reaches the #ASCO26 Plenary and NEJM ⭐ A major moment for high-risk localized / locally advanced #ProstateCancer. 🚨 PROTEUS tests a clinically important question: Can intensifying systemic therapy around radical prostatectomy improve https://t.co/N0a9AamWUh
Yüksel Ürün
@DrYukselUrun
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE Excellent discussion by @declangmurphy on a post-PROTEUS algorithm for high-risk prostate cancer. Selection is becoming the new treatment frontier. #ASCO26 @gu_onc @DrChoueiri @TiansterZhang @CathyEngMD @montypal @tompowles1 @brian_rini @cdanicas @GlopesMd @PGrivasMDPhD https://t.co/dk9ee0FC9q
Dr Rishabh Jain
@drrishabhonco
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE #ASCO26 🚨 PROTEUS changes the conversation in high-risk localized prostate cancer. Perioperative apalutamide + ADT + prostatectomy delivered: 📈 pCR/MRD: 8.9% vs 1.0% 📉 MFS: HR 0.80 📉 Event-free survival: HR 0.71 📉 Distant metastasis: HR 0.68 ⏳ ~3 extra years before next https://t.co/Q24jmHbzUY https://t.co/lYjHVjn8Kf
Dillon Cockrell, MD
@DCockrellMD
2026-05-31 ● POSITIVE #PROTEUS is a plenary presentation at #ASCO26 and an important localized prostate cancer study. Among 2,109 patients with high-risk localized/locally advanced disease undergoing radical prostatectomy, perioperative apalutamide + ADT improved both co-primary endpoints, including https://t.co/JSVHh9df4F
Declan Murphy
@declangmurphy
2026-05-21 ● NEUTRAL Finalizing my PROTEUS Discussant talk for #ASCO26 Plenary. Biggest trial of surgery for prostate cancer, so much data, so many fascinating angles to consider. Will be big moment for Rx of high-risk prostate cancer. Look forward to Dr Taplin reading it out @DanaFarber_GU @gu_onc https://t.co/CM7wZGTeVD
Yüksel Ürün
@dryukselurun
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL PROTEUS and STAMPEDE both support ARPI intensification in high-risk M0 prostate cancer, but across different designs and local treatments. The real advance is not “which wins?” It is “which patient, which path?” #ASCO26 @DrChoueiri @TiansterZhang @CathyEngMD @montypal https://t.co/7a0feCyAbL
Daniel E Spratt
@DrSpratticus
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL #ASCO26 The PROTEUS trial results are now online...buckle up as we wait to see the full presentation. This is going to be a trial that is likely highly controversial until the full results are published. Some may call this a homerun, others may call this the largest negative
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL If (A) your current practice is peri-op ADT and (B) your goal is to ⬇️ BCR, then definitely yes. If (A) and goal is to ⬆️conventional MFS, definitely no. If (A) and goal is to ⬆️mixed-bag MFS then maybe? If not (A), then PROTEUS not directly relevant to your current practice.
Oncology Brothers
@oncbrothers
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL Day 3 #ASCO26 5 plenary highlights: 1. #PROTEUS: PeriOp/PostOp Apa in Prostate Ca 2. #SARC041: Adj Abema in dediff liposarcoma 3. #LIBRETTO432 : Adj Selpercatinib in NSCLC 4. #HARMONi6: 1L Ivonescimab in Sq mNSCLC 5. #RASolute302: 2L Daraxonrasib in Panc Ca @ASCO 1/6 https://t.co/8I3qtOtzSP
Adam B. Weiner, MD
@adam_weiner535
2026-06-01 ● NEUTRAL 🚨 PROTEUS: perioperative apalutamide moves into high-risk localized #prostatecancer Just out in @NEJM 🧬 2109 men w/ high-risk localized or locally advanced PCa randomized to ADT + apalutamide vs ADT + placebo around radical prostatectomy. 🎯 Both stated primary endpoints https://t.co/K6cuSQBFlQ
Amanda Nizam, MD
@AmandaNizamMD
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL This is an excellent 🧵contextualizing PROTEUS results. Especially insightful for those of us who were still in training when this trial launched in 2019. #ASCO26 @OncoAlert @OncHahn @katy_beckermann @ZSchwen @ricautor @RTendulkarMD @MdStephans @MoningiShalini @PCF_Science https://t.co/sij8RewkYF
2026-05-31 ● NEUTRAL Masterful discussion by @declangmurphy of #PROTEUS in #ASCO26 LBA1 plenary, complete with an incidental and effective drive by swipe at inappropriate ARPI switch controls. And nods to #ENZARAD, and to @ANZUPtrials @ChrisSweens1 proposed freedom from clinical detriment endpoint.
Daniel E Spratt
@DrSpratticus
2026-05-31 ● NEGATIVE 8/n #ASCO26 The largest issue with the PROTEUS trial is that it changed its primary endpoint of MFS by conventional imaging to now allow PET imaging. Without understanding the breakdown, they potentially changed it to effectively EFS. We all know that adding ADT/ARPI should https://t.co/rUJPNRP2uJ
Daniel E Spratt
@drspratticus
2026-05-31 ● NEGATIVE 7/7 #ASCO26 NEJM paper PROTEUS: - very high recurrence rates (~80% at 4 years were not disease free despite triplet therapy) - very low rates of post-op RT (25-35%) - 1 in 5 men did not recover T to low normal levels -negative MFS on conventional imaging - numerically worse OS
Yakup Ergün
@dr_yakupergun
2026-05-31 ● NEGATIVE #ASCO26 Plenary Session | PROTEUS PROTEUS is clearly positive, but not toxicity-free: perioperative apalutamide + ADT improved pCR/MRD and MFS, while grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs increased and treatment-related deaths were 0.7% vs 0.1%. Intensification comes with a cost. https://t.co/75In01Bvsq
Daniel V. Araujo
@DVAraujoMD
2026-06-01 ● NEGATIVE PROTEUS is out — and it was arguably the most controversial abstract of Day 3 here at #ASCO26. Perioperative apalutamide + ADT vs ADT + placebo around RP in high-risk localized/locally advanced PCa. Worth putting in context w/ ENZARAD (ESMO 2025) and STAMPEDE. 🧵 First, credit
Jeff Ryckman
@jryckman3
2026-06-04 ● NEGATIVE Proud of @ASTRO_org for this formal statement. Among other things, Proteus did not include a standard of care control arm (!) #PROTEUS #ASCO26 #PCSM @urotoday https://t.co/D1QOqre6qE

Media Coverage & Primary Sources

Primary publication and verified coverage of the PROTEUS ASCO 2026 Plenary readout. Sources reconciled against the trial’s clinical-intelligence notebook.