Publications

Publications Search

Search for publications by author
Search for publications by abstract keyword(s)

BRCA-deficient metastatic prostate cancer has an adverse prognosis and distinct genomic phenotype

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Genomic alterations in DNA damage response (DDR) genes are common in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Understanding how these genomic events impact prognosis and/or treatment response is vital for optimising clinical outcomes. METHODS: Targeted sequencing was performed on 407 plasma samples from 375 men with mCRPC. Using the CLIA-certified PredicineCARE cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay, pathogenic alterations in 152 key genes (including 27 DDR-related genes) were assessed, as was the presence and mechanisms of biallelic loss in BRCA2. FINDINGS: At least one DDR alteration was present in 34.5% (129/375) of patients (including monoallelic alterations). The most frequently altered DDR genes were BRCA2 (19%), ATM (13%), FANCA (5%), CHEK2 (5%) and BRCA1 (3%). Patients with BRCA alterations, especially BRCA2, had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.3 [95% CI 1.9-6.0]; Cox regression p < 0.001), overall survival (HR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1-4.5]; Cox regression p = 0.02) and PSA response rates to androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (32% vs 60%, chi-square p = 0.02). BRCA-deficient tumours were also enriched for alterations within multiple genes including in the AR and PI3K pathways. Zygosity of BRCA2 alterations had no discernible impact on clinical outcomes, with similarly poor PFS for monoallelic vs biallelic loss (median 3.9 months vs 3.4 months vs copy neutral 9.8 months). INTERPRETATION: These data emphasise that the BRCA genes, in particular BRCA2, are key prognostic biomarkers in mCRPC. The clinical utility of BRCA2 as a marker of poor outcomes may, at least in cfDNA assays, be independent of the zygosity state detected. Enrichment of actionable genomic alterations in cfDNA from BRCA-deficient mCRPC may support rational co-targeting strategies in future clinical trials. FUNDING: Several funding sources have supported this study. A full list is provided in the Acknowledgments. No funding was received from Predicine, Inc. during the conduct of the study.

Type Journal
ISBN 2352-3964 (Electronic) 2352-3964 (Linking)
Authors Fettke, H.; Dai, C.; Kwan, E. M.; Zheng, T.; Du, P.; Ng, N.; Bukczynska, P.; Docanto, M.; Kostos, L.; Foroughi, S.; Brown, S.; Graham, L. K.; Mahon, K.; Horvath, L. G.; Jia, S.; Kohli, M.; Azad, A. A.
Publisher Name EBioMedicine
Published Date 2023-09-30
Published Volume 95
Published Pages 104738
Status Published in-print
DOI 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104738
URL link to publisher's version https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37549632