GNRH2 Polymorphism in Men With Prostate Cancer Treated With Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2 (GNRH2) is a peptide hormone found in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
• A specific variant, GNRH2 A16V (rs6051545), has been associated with increased testosterone levels.
• The clinical significance of GNRH2 and its variants in prostate cancer remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of GNRH2 in various prostate tissue types.
• To determine if the GNRH2 A16V variant influences progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT).

Main Methods:

• GNRH2 expression was assessed in prostate tissue microarrays using immunofluorescence.
• Genotyping for the GNRH2 A16V variant was performed in 131 prostate cancer patients receiving ADT.
• Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients with the variant and wild-type genotypes.

Main Results:

• GNRH2 expression was detected in all examined prostate tissues (normal, hyperplastic, cancerous) without significant correlation to Gleason grade or disease stage.
• The GNRH2 A16V genotype showed no association with PFS or OS.
• Gleason score and definitive local therapy were significant predictors of PFS, while age and Gleason score predicted OS.

Conclusions:

• GNRH2 is ubiquitously expressed in prostate tissues, regardless of pathological status.
• The GNRH2 A16V variant is not a determinant of treatment response or survival in patients with prostate cancer undergoing ADT.