Publications

Application of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to Guide Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients

Application of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to Guide Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients

Publication Date: March 10, 2022

Abstract

Abstract Image

A critical unmet need for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients is optimizing systemic treatments to maximize the benefit for individuals. The response of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) to androgen receptor (AR)-directed hormonal treatments (i.e., enzalutamide and abiraterone) is mediated by the expression of a molecular variant of the androgen receptor called androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7). Detection and measurement of AR-V7 in mCRPC patients will lead to more informed PCa treatment. Herein, we demonstrate a quantitative nanoparticle-enhanced sandwich antibody assay for the successful ex vivo measurement of AR-V7 protein in serum from mCRPC patients. The nanoparticles are constructed as extrinsic Raman spectroscopy labels (ERLs), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is used for assay readout. Our approach does not require specialized specimen collection materials, circulating tumor cell enrichment, or pretreatment of serum. Calibration of our assay is accomplished by expressing AR-V7 in an appropriate cell line as AR-V7 is not commercially available. We demonstrate a linear calibration curve from cell lysate and correlate lysate protein with mRNA from cultured prostate cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrate a novel pilot-scale application for clinical use by quantitatively measuring AR-V7 in serum of seven advanced PCa patients. Distinct separation of PCa patients by AR-V7 status (positive or negative) was observed. Together, the presence and amount of AR-V7 in serum offer predictive and prognostic value to inform selection between two classes of systemic treatments (i.e., hormones or taxanes). Triaging patients that are AR-V7-positive to other systemic treatments (e.g., taxane-based chemotherapy) can improve progression-free survival and overall survival.

Cite this: ACS Sens. 2022

Party with your prostate – Annual Comedy Series

Join us for this inaugural men’s night out filled with killer cocktails, comedy and culinary – all in support of prostate cancer research through the Cross Cancer Institute.

May 3, 2016
MKT Fresh Food & Beer Market (8101 Gateway Blvd)
6:00pm
Comedian: Artie Lange

Sorry ladies – men’s night out only!

Tickets are $500 each and will be held at the door in the cardholder’s name.
Tickets will also be available at the door

- Bird Dogs for Prostate Cancer Research