The performance and limitations of PCA3, TMPRSS2:ERG, HOXC6 and DLX1 urinary markers combined in the improvement of prostate cancer diagnostics.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. To date, the role of the combined application of long non-coding RNAs (PCA3, DLX1, HOXC6, TMPRSS2:ERG) for obtaining the most accurate method of detection of PCa has not yet been comprehensively investigated. METHODS: In total 240 persons were included in the retrospective study. Among them were 150 patients with confirmed PCa, 30 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 30 patients with active chronic prostatitis and 30 healthy volunteers. In all patients, the urine samples were collected prior to biopsy or treatment. Polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription was performed to detect the expression level of PCA3, HOXC6, DLX1 and the presence of the TMPRSS2:ERG transcript. RESULTS: PCA3 was detected in urine samples in all cases. Using a PCA3 score of 56 allowed the differentiation between PCa and all other cases with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 96% (p < 0.001) while a PCA3 score threshold value of 50 resulted in a differentiation between clinically significant PCa (ISUP grades 2-5) and all other cases with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 93% (p < 0.001). The TMPRSS2:ERG expression in urine was detected exclusively in the group of patients with PCa and only in 16% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: PCA3 score detected in urine demonstrated moderate sensitivity and good specificity in differentiation between PCa and non-PCa and high sensitivity and specificity in differentiation between clinically significant PCa and non-PCa.

METASTATIC CHORIOCARCINOMA PRESENTING AS RENAL COLIC AND SKIN LESION - CASE REPORT.

OBJECTIVE: Choriocarcinoma is a rare malignant disease that is usually associated with a gestational event. Kidney metastasis might be misdiagnosed as renal cell carcinoma or kidney abscess. To the best of our knowledge, only 13 cases of cutaneous metastasis of choriocarcinoma have been reported in the literature so far. We report a case of choriocarcinoma that manifested with multiple metastases to the lung, skin, kidney and brain. Case report: We reported a case of a 37-year-old woman with a history of hydatiform mole, with symptoms of renal colic and abnormal findings on the skin. Chest X-ray revealed visible focal change 80 mm in diameter, located in the left lung area. The CT exposed in both kidneys multiple hypodense foci, 32 mm in size, suggesting multifocal abscesses with disruptions and perforation to paranephric area. Due to the presence of and temporary loss of vision in the right eye head CT was performed revealing metastatic changes in the brain. The diferential diagnosis between renal cancer, lung carcinoma and choriocarcinoma was achieved only after surgical removal skin lesion. This was the first time in our experience with choriocarcinoma. Immunohistochemically, the analysis was positive for beta hCG, cytokeratin AE1/AE, CK 8/18, CD10, EMA, alfa 1-inhibin and negative for protein 63, CD30 and CD117. Serum hCG level was 394590,0 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Choriocarcinoma should be taken into consideration when associated symptoms and significantly elevated blood levels of ß-hCG were identified.