Introduction

The androgen receptor (AR) splice variant 7 (AR-V7), has been associated with increased risk of prostate cancer (PC) and with the possibility of progression and responsiveness to the various lines of hormonal treatment and chemotherapy._x000D_ The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a novel capillary nano-immunoassay in detecting AR-V7 variant in plasma from PC patients_x000D_

Methods

72 patients with PC were enrolled. Localized, locally advanced, metastasic and CPRC status were allowed due to represent all the PC biological spectrum. _x000D_ Capillary Electrophoresis with immunoassay methodology were performed using the WES (TM) machine according to the manufacturer&[prime]s protocol. With this technique, proteins are separated by size, immobilized and probed with specific antibodies. Signal intensity is detected by a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated chemiluminescence system and the data is shown as an electropherogram. The primary antibody used was AR-V7. Quantitative analysis for AR-V7 protein peak was done automatically as area under the peak. Dates from the human prostate cell lines PC3 and VCaP and from 17 healthy donors were used to standardize the assays for AR-V7._x000D_ The study was carried out in accordance with the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University Hospital of Salamanca (Spain)._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_

Results

AR-V7 signal was detected in 21 (29%) patients: 17 (81%) had a Gleason score ≥ 7, 15 (71%) castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and 18 (86%) metastatic disease. The complete results are shown in the table 1. _x000D_ _x000D_

Conclusions

This study describes the feasibility of detecting AR-V7 expression from plasma of PC patients by using an automated capillary nano-immunoassay technique WESTM. We provide evidence about this technique, simpler, faster and we have automated platform to make it in comparison with traditional CTCs techniques. AR-V7 has been observed more frequently in aggressive tumors._x000D_ These findings lay the foundations for liquid biopsy as a means of obtaining biological data in a more convenient way for the patient. These data are needed for personalized treatment decisions, which can prevent patients from receiving inefficient systemic therapy._x000D_

Funding

None.