Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
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Detection of androgen receptor (AR) and AR-V7 in small cell prostate carcinoma: Diagnostic and therapeutic

Pei Zhao1, Yezi Zhu1, Liang Cheng2

  • 1Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Asian Journal of Urology
|February 19, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Small cell prostate carcinoma (SCPC) can express androgen receptor (AR) and the AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) protein. This finding is significant for understanding treatment resistance in SCPC patients, even with low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Small cell prostate carcinoma (SCPC) is a rare, aggressive cancer.
  • SCPC often lacks androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression.
  • AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) is linked to resistance to AR-targeting therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of AR and AR-V7 in SCPC.
  • To determine if AR-V7 is present in SCPC, a factor in treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect AR-FL and AR-V7.
  • Validated antibodies were employed on post-androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) SCPC specimens.

Main Results:

  • 75% of SCPC specimens expressed full-length AR (AR-FL).
  • 33% of SCPC specimens showed positive staining for AR-V7.
  • AR-V7 expression was heterogeneous and always co-occurred with AR-FL.

Conclusions:

  • Measurable levels of AR-FL and AR-V7 proteins exist in SCPC.
  • AR-V7 detection in circulating tumor cells may be possible in SCPC.
  • Positive AR-V7 blood tests are feasible in SCPC patients, despite low PSA.
Keywords:
Androgen receptorAndrogen receptor splice variant-7ImmunohistochemistrySmall cell prostate carcinoma

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