A genomic strategy for predicting androgen receptor activity in prostate tumors

Mendiratta et al. have developed an AR signature for prostate cancer that is based on the expression of 300 genes. The AR signature is decreased with androgen deprivation therapy, and in the development of androgen independent prostate cancer, however significant inter-individual variation in AR activity was noted. Decreased AR activity was also related to the expression of SRC kinase, and sensitivity to dasatinib. The work by Mendiratta et al. may be useful to determine the AR status of tumors in order to inform therapy and individualize treatment.