[PDF][PDF] Tumor microenvironment-derived NRG1 promotes antiandrogen resistance in prostate cancer

Z Zhang, WR Karthaus, YS Lee, VR Gao, C Wu… - Cancer Cell, 2020 - cell.com
Cancer Cell, 2020cell.com
Despite the development of second-generation antiandrogens, acquired resistance to
hormone therapy remains a major challenge in treating advanced prostate cancer. We find
that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can promote antiandrogen resistance in mouse
models and in prostate organoid cultures. We identify neuregulin 1 (NRG1) in CAF
supernatant, which promotes resistance in tumor cells through activation of HER3.
Pharmacological blockade of the NRG1/HER3 axis using clinical-grade blocking antibodies …
Summary
Despite the development of second-generation antiandrogens, acquired resistance to hormone therapy remains a major challenge in treating advanced prostate cancer. We find that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can promote antiandrogen resistance in mouse models and in prostate organoid cultures. We identify neuregulin 1 (NRG1) in CAF supernatant, which promotes resistance in tumor cells through activation of HER3. Pharmacological blockade of the NRG1/HER3 axis using clinical-grade blocking antibodies re-sensitizes tumors to hormone deprivation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer with increased tumor NRG1 activity have an inferior response to second-generation antiandrogen therapy. This work reveals a paracrine mechanism of antiandrogen resistance in prostate cancer amenable to clinical testing using available targeted therapies.
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