Androgen receptor mutations in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with apalutamide

D E Rathkopf1, M R Smith2, C J Ryan3

  • 1Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.

Abstract

Insights

Androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) mutations like F877L and T878A are not common causes of resistance to apalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). A sensitive BEAMing assay showed low mutation frequencies at baseline and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Androgen receptor (AR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) mutations, including F877L and T878A, are linked to resistance against advanced AR-targeted therapies.
  • The ARN-509-001 trial assessed apalutamide's efficacy in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
  • This study investigated the prevalence and types of 11 AR-LBD mutations in CRPC patients undergoing apalutamide treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and types of specific AR-LBD mutations in patients with CRPC treated with apalutamide.
  • To assess the role of AR-LBD mutations in de novo or acquired resistance to apalutamide therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from patients with nonmetastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) and metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) in the ARN-509-001 trial.
  • Samples were analyzed at baseline and disease progression using the BEAMing (beads, emulsification, amplification and magnetics) assay for circulating tumor DNA.
  • The assay detected 11 relevant AR-LBD mutations, including F877L and T878A.

Main Results:

  • Of 97 patients, 93 were assessable at baseline and 82 at progression.
  • The overall frequency of AR mutations was 7.5% at baseline and 7.3% at progression.
  • AR F877L mutations were acquired by 3.7% of mCRPC patients during apalutamide treatment. AR T878A mutations were detected at baseline in 3.2% of post-AAP patients and were lost in one patient after apalutamide treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The sensitive BEAMing assay revealed a low overall frequency of AR-LBD mutations (7.5% at baseline, 7.3% at progression).
  • AR-LBD mutations like F877L and T878A do not appear to be common drivers of de novo or acquired resistance to apalutamide in CRPC.
  • These findings suggest apalutamide maintains efficacy in a broader CRPC population than previously assumed based on mutation status.

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