Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 Predicts Shorter Response in Patients with Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract

Background: Whether AR-V7 expression can predict the response in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains to be explored. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of AR-V7 expression in the prognosis of mHSPC patients receiving ADT. Design, setting, and participants: In this multicenter prospective cohort study, 310 mHSPC patients commencing ADT were enrolled. Standard immunohistochemical staining was used to assess AR-V7 protein expression in biopsy tissues collected before initiation of ADT. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate associations of AR-V7 status (positive vs negative) with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results and limitations: Sixty-four (21%) patients were AR-V7–positive and 246 (79%) patients were AR-V7–negative. The median follow-up for patients not confirmed dead was 25 mo (interquartile range 10–30). Compared to AR-V7-negative patients, AR-V7-positive patients had significantly shorter PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 47.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 25.83–86.94) and OS (HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.46–8.72). In multivariable analysis, AR-V7 was an independent predictive factor (HR 7.61, 95% CI 5.24–11.06) for shorter PFS. Limitations include the sample size and follow-up period. Conclusions: AR-V7 expression in primary cancer tissue is correlated with poor prognosis for mHSPC patients receiving ADT. Patient summary: In this study of men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, AR-V7 protein expression in primary cancer tissue was associated with poor outcomes on androgen deprivation therapy.