Genetic Variants in AR and SHBG and Resistance to Hormonal Castration in Prostate Cancer

The study involved 203 advanced prostate cancer patients undergoing hormonal castration therapy (HCT) and explored the link between genetic variations in the androgen receptor (AR) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) genes and resistance to HCT. It was found that individuals with the homozygous GG genotype of the SHBG +5790 G>A polymorphism had a significantly higher risk (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.9, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1-3.3, P = 0.019) of developing resistance to HCT. Furthermore, a high AR pathway activation genetic profile, which includes the AR +1733 G>A polymorphism, also indicated an increased risk (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.1, P = 0.015). The study concluded that these genetic variants are associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer and could potentially serve as markers to predict the efficacy of HCT in patients.