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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
AR-V7 and prostate cancer: The watershed for treatment selection?
Chiara Ciccarese1, Matteo Santoni2, Matteo Brunelli3
1Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in progression to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Despite the recent progress in targeting persistent AR activity with the next-generation hormonal therapies (abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide), resistance to these agents limits therapeutic efficacy for many patients. Several explanations for response and/or resistance to abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are emerging, but growing interest is focusing on importance of AR splice variants (AR-Vs) and in particular of AR-V7. Increasing evidences highlight the concept that variant expression could be used as a potential predictive biomarker and a therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of treatment resistance or sensitivity can help to achieve a more effective management of mCRPC, increasing clinical outcomes and representing a promising and engaging area of prostate cancer research.
Insights
Androgen receptor (AR) splice variants, especially AR-V7, are crucial in prostate cancer progression and resistance to hormonal therapies like abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide. Understanding AR variants offers new predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives prostate cancer progression, including to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
- Next-generation hormonal therapies (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide) target AR activity but face emerging resistance mechanisms.
- AR splice variants (AR-Vs), particularly AR-V7, are increasingly recognized in treatment response and resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of AR splice variants, specifically AR-V7, in the context of resistance to hormonal therapies in advanced prostate cancer.
- To highlight the potential of AR-Vs as predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy.
- To underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting AR variants in mCRPC management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on AR signaling, mCRPC, hormonal therapies, and AR splice variants.
- Analysis of emerging evidence linking AR-V7 expression to treatment response and resistance.
- Synthesis of data on the clinical implications of AR variants as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- AR splice variants, especially AR-V7, are frequently detected in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
- Expression of AR-V7 is associated with resistance to abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide.
- AR-V7 may serve as a predictive biomarker for selecting appropriate therapies in mCRPC.
Conclusions:
- AR splice variants represent a critical factor in the development of resistance to current mCRPC therapies.
- AR-V7 holds significant promise as a predictive biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into AR variants is essential for advancing the management of advanced prostate cancer.
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