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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel
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Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel

Published on: September 8, 2017

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Docetaxel Treatment in PTEN- and ERG-aberrant Metastatic Prostate Cancers

Pasquale Rescigno1, David Lorente2, David Dolling3

  • 1The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, AOU Federico II, Naples, Italy.

European Urology Oncology
|June 19, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Loss of PTEN in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) may indicate a better response to docetaxel chemotherapy compared to next-generation hormonal treatment (NGHT). This finding suggests a potential shift in treatment strategy for CRPC patients with PTEN loss.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Prostate Cancer Research

Background:

  • Loss of PTEN is a frequent genomic alteration in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
  • PTEN loss often co-occurs with ERG rearrangements, contributing to resistance against next-generation hormonal treatments (NGHT) like abiraterone.
  • The impact of PTEN loss on docetaxel sensitivity in CRPC is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumor activity of docetaxel in metastatic CRPC.
  • To evaluate the relationship between PTEN loss and ERG aberrations and docetaxel efficacy.
  • To determine if PTEN status influences treatment outcomes in CRPC patients receiving docetaxel.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 215 metastatic CRPC patients treated with docetaxel.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess PTEN loss and ERG expression.
  • Statistical analyses included Pearson's χ2 tests, independent-sample t tests, univariate/multivariate Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier methods for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Main Results:

  • PTEN loss was observed in 39% of patients and was associated with significantly shorter median OS (25.4 vs 34.7 months).
  • No significant differences in median PFS or PSA response were found between PTEN loss and PTEN-normal groups.
  • PTEN loss was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis.
  • ERG positivity did not show an association with OS or PFS.

Conclusions:

  • Metastatic CRPC with PTEN loss may respond better to docetaxel than to NGHT.
  • PTEN status is a relevant biomarker for predicting treatment response in CRPC.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings, considering the study's retrospective and single-center limitations.
Keywords:
DocetaxelERGPTENProstate cancer

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