Putative protein markers in the sera of men with prostatic neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the preliminary identification of serum proteins that may be diagnostic markers in prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 11 men referred for treatment of localized prostate cancer, 12 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 12 disease-free controls. For serum protein analysis, the protein-chip array surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) technique was used (Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, CA). SELDI combines protein-chip technology with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and offers the advantages of speed, simplicity and sensitivity. RESULTS: Three protein peaks were identified in the serum of men with prostate cancer and BPH, but not in controls, with relative molecular masses of 15.2, 15.9 and 17.5 kDa. These three proteins were significantly associated with BPH and prostate cancer when compared with controls (P = 0.001, 0.004, and 0.011, respectively, Kruskal-Wallis test). Interestingly, the 17.5 kDa protein was more abundant in five men with stage T1 prostate cancer than in eight with stage T2 (P = 0.016, two tailed Mann-Whitney U-test corrected for ties). CONCLUSIONS: These proteins, particularly the 15.9 kDa one, may be used for the diagnosis or monitoring of prostate cancer and differentiation from BPH, and have the potential for antibody-based chip SELDI-TOF technology. Identified proteins may be targets for immunotherapy.

Association between serum triiodothyronine (t3) level and risk of disease recurrence in men with localized prostate cancer.

We assessed the relationship of serum triiodothyronine (t3) level and risk of disease recurrence in men treated for localized prostate cancer. Participants in our study were found through urology and radiation oncology clinics, and all eligible patients were asked to take part. All patients had been initially diagnosed on the basis of rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal physical examination. Histological confirmation of diagnosis was obtained for all subjects. Serum (t3) level was determined by chemoluminescent assay with a standard, commercially available instrument (Immulite Diagnostic Products Corporation, Los Angeles, California). Sixty-eight men with prostate cancer were studied. In our treatment protocol, patients are divided into three risk groups: low risk: serum PSA7, tumor in seminal vesicle biopsy, serum PSA >15 or stage T2c or T3. These patients are treated with 3 months combined hormonal therapy, an implant, and after 2 months break 6000 rad external beam radiotherapy. There was a significant increase in serum t3 with risk category (P=0.011). Tukey's multiple range B-test showed a significant difference between the t3 levels of the high risk patients, when compared to the t3 levels of the moderate (P=0.013) and low risk patients (P=0.041). The range test showed no significant difference between the t3 levels of the moderate and low risk patients (P=0.897). Because t3 levels may be affected by age, we performed multivariate linear regression, with t3 as the dependent variable. There was a statistically significant (P=0.035) association of t3 level with risk group, but there was no significant association of t3 with age (P=0.803). Multivariate linear regression, with t3 as dependent variable, PSA, Gleason score, and stage as independent variables showed a significant overall association of the three independent variables with t3 (P=0.042), though individually the relationships were not significant. None of the men had a t3 level that was above the normal range for our laboratory (137 ng/dl). Urologists are actively seeking additional biomarkers of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Many prostate cancers are quite indolent and may never cause a problem, but it is impossible to identify such tumors with certainty. Further studies of serum t3 level as a biomarker in prostate cancer might therefore be worthwhile. With more and better biomarkers, many older men might be spared the rigors of radiation therapy and/or surgery and the complications. Also, new prostate cancer therapies might be directed toward inhibiting the mitogenic effects of t3.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2001) 4, 232-234.

Urology in the twenty-first century: noninvasive targeted treatments for urologic malignancies.

Notwithstanding the major advances that have been made in the treatment of bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer, much remains to be done if we are to translate the gains that have been made in "disease-free survival" into actual survival in terms of quantity as well as quality of life. Indeed, we are still at an embryonic stage in understanding how cancers originate, whether defense mechanisms exist that can recognize these cancers and recognize them when they first develop, when cancers metastasize during their development, whether we have methods that are sufficiently accurate to distinguish between organ-confined and regional extension or spread of disease, and the means by which we can identify cancers that are likely to remain organ-confined and distinguish them from those that are predestined to metastasize. If we are to be successful in the assessment and treatment of various urologic cancers, these questions must be answered. Many new methods of assessment and treatment are being explored that in themselves may provide some answers. The present discussion focuses on these issues, on how they may lead to further understanding of the unique biology of many of these tumors, and what we may expect in terms of increased longevity and improved quality of life as we attempt to cure patients of their disease.

Current concepts in assessment and treatment of bladder cancer.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is comprised of a variety of cancer diatheses that manifest a spectrum of distinct biologic potentials. The challenge is to control superficial disease recurrence and progression and to identify invasive carcinoma at an earlier stage, when it may be more amenable to cure.

The natural history of bladder cancer. Implications for therapy.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is comprised of a variety of cancer diatheses that manifest a spectrum of distinct biologic potentials. Although these diseases have traditionally been classified as "superficial" and "muscle invasive" on the basis of their histologic appearance (depth of penetration of the "bladder wall" and corresponding prognosis) the pathways presumably followed by the various forms of these cancers imply an even greater complexity. These disparate pathways may reflect different events in carcinogenesis, which may determine subsequent development and risk for either recurrence or progression. In addition, biologic activity and malignant potential for each type of cancer may be associated with distinctive molecular and genetic alterations. These considerations may provide an opportunity to expand traditional staging systems in creating molecular profiles that may more precisely characterize the biologic potential of these tumor diatheses. Although there are far more questions than answers concerning how these alterations may effect the natural history of bladder cancer, molecular-based identification of bladder cancer patients at greatest risk for progression may ultimately improve clinical management.