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GnRH receptor and androgen receptor status and outcome of advanced prostate carcinomas

János Szabó1, Katalin Bartók, Tibor Krenács

  • 1Department of Urology, Central Hospital of the Hungarian Army, H-1134, Róbert k. krt. 44, Budapest, Hungary.

Anticancer Research
|April 1, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The presence of both androgen receptor (AR) and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) in advanced prostate cancer indicates a better response to total androgen blockade (TAB). Negativity for these receptors may suggest a need for additional treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Prostate carcinoma treatment involves gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, affecting the pituitary-gonadal axis and directly acting on tumor cells expressing GnRH receptors (GnRHR).
  • The efficacy of total androgen blockade (TAB) in advanced prostate cancer is influenced by tumor cell expression of GnRHR and androgen receptor (AR).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between the expression of GnRHR and AR in prostate cancer cells.
  • To determine the relationship between GnRHR and AR expression and the efficacy of TAB in advanced prostate carcinoma patients.

Main Methods:

  • Histological analysis of needle biopsy samples from 20 advanced prostate carcinoma patients.
  • Immunoperoxidase staining using antibodies for GnRHR and AR.
  • Correlation of pre- and post-TAB clinical, radiological, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) data with AR and GnRHR status.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AR-positive, GnRHR-positive, or both AR- and GnRHR-positive tumors predominantly showed a favorable outcome (Group A).
  • Cases negative for AR, GnRHR, or both receptors were more likely to have a poor outcome (Group B).
  • 13 out of 20 patients had a favorable outcome, while 7 had a poor outcome after three years of TAB.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of GnRHR and AR in advanced prostate carcinoma is associated with a more favorable response to TAB.
  • Combined GnRHR and AR negativity may signal the need for supplementary treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
  • Receptor status (AR and GnRHR) can inform treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer.

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