AR-V7 Test

This blood test shows if androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies could be an effective treatment approach.

Is there a test to measure responsiveness to androgen receptor targeted therapies?

The Epic Sciences AR-V7 test is a liquid biopsy blood test that is designed to be used with men with mCRPC (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer).

The test helps determine if these men will respond to androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, or whether chemotherapy should be recommended instead.

Large clinical studies found that AR-V7+ patients (patients with AR-V7 in the nucleus of circulating tumor cells, also known as CTCs):

  • do not benefit from AR-targeted therapies
  • experience faster progression of their cancer
  • have lower median overall survival (compared with patients negative for AR-V7)

However, these studies also found that AR-V7+ patients are substantially more likely to live longer when treated with taxane chemotherapy.

AR-V7 Video

Learn more about how insights provided by the AR-V7 test can help determine the most effective therapy for late-stage prostate cancer.

Understanding Your AR-V7 Results

The AR-V7 test can be effective in determining which treatment option may be more effective for men with mCRPC (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer). See a sample AR-V7 result report and learn more about how to interpret them. All test results like those from Oncotype DX AR-V7 should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.

AR-V7 FAQs

Below is an initial list of frequently asked questions about the Decipher Radical Prostatectomy.

1.
What are prostate cancer biomarkers (PCMs)?

Prostate cancer biomarkers (PCMs) are molecules found in blood, tissue, or body fluids. PCMs are revolutionary new, non-invasive diagnostic tests that may help your healthcare provider decide if your prostate cancer is in fact low risk, if something more aggressive may be lurking in your prostate, or if there are hot spots in the prostate that may need to be re-evaluated upon biopsy. PCMs also can help you and your healthcare provider determine the most appropriate treatment for your cancer.

2.
What prostate cancer biomarker test is right for me?

There are many factors that will make one prostate cancer marker test better suited for individual cases. Many times, individuals who have never had a biopsy or had low to intermediate grade prostate cancer (Gleason 3+3=6 or 3+4=7) diagnosed on a biopsy are well suited for blood or urine prostate cancer markers, whereas individuals who have persistently negative biopsies or a biopsy of intermediate to high grade cancer may benefit from tissue prostate cancer markers. Use this interactive questionnaire to see what tests may be right for you.  Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, discuss the results with your healthcare provider. Also be sure to check out our Patient Journey section that may help you decide which test is right for you.

3.
What prostate cancer biomarker (PCM) tests are there for late-stage prostate cancer treatment options?

A medicine that targets a specific receptor present in some prostate cancers is used to treat qualifying patients with late-stage cancer. This PCM test can help determine if you are a candidate for androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies.

4.
Who is a candidate for the AR-V7 test?

Patients who have mCRPC (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer) may consider the AR-V7 test to determine if they will NOT respond to androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, and should consider chemotherapy instead.

5.
What does the AR-V7 test show?

While patients should always discuss the results of their prostate cancer test with their healthcare provider, in general, a negative test result for the AR-V7 test means they are NOT resistant to androgen-receptor targeted therapy and could consider the treatment. If their test is positive, it means they are resistant to androgen-receptor targeted therapy and may not benefit from this targeted hormonal therapy. If that is the case, the patient and their healthcare provider may consider other treatments such as taxane chemotherapy. See a sample ARV-7 test and learn more about how to interpret the results.

Learn More

Explore more information about AR-V7.