DR-540 Integrating genomic and transcriptomic profiles to dissect AR reprogramming and lineage plasticity in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is incurable and highly variable between patients and metastatic sites. We will combine whole-genome sequencing (mutations, structural variants) with RNA-sequencing (gene expression) from patient metastasis biopsies to understand why tumors behave so differently depending on where they spread and how they escape hormone therapy. This project links DNA-level changes to the actual “identity” a tumor cell adopts (hormone-driven versus treatment-resistant, aggressive states). The results may help identify which patients are more likely to benefit from specific treatments, including immunotherapy, ultimately supporting better treatment selection in the clinic.

Wilbert Zwart, Netherlands Cancer Institute, the Netherlands