ERG expression can predict the outcome of docetaxel combinedwith androgen deprivation therapy in metastatic hormone-sensitiveprostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to analyze the potential association between clinical parameters and ERG expression and the outcome of docetaxel chemotherapy among patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer were treated with docetaxel in addition to androgen deprivation therapy. Patient characteristics, clinical factors, and tumor expression of ERG by immunohistochemistry were analyzed with respect to therapeutic response and survival data.

RESULTS: Relapse free survival (RFS) and overal survival (OS) were 10.5 and 40.4 months, respectively, and both correlated with PSA response (RFS: 16.8 with a ≥50% decrease in PSA vs. 5.9 months in the case of <50% decrease, P < 0.001; OS: 40.4 vs. 11.6 months, respectively, P < 0.001). There was an association between OS and early progression (OS: 40.4 months with progression after 12 months vs. 17.9 months with progression within 12 months, P = 0.009). ERG expression was detected in 21 (42%) samples. ERG positivity was associated with favorable RFS (ERG pos. vs. neg.: 26.0 vs. 11.4 months, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: ERG expression may have a potential predictive value with respect to the effectiveness and outcome of docetaxel chemotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy.