Prostate Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Prostate Cancer, including details on symptoms, genetics, screening, treatment, information.

Molecular markers of prostate cancer outcome.

Quinn DI, Henshall SM, Sutherland RL

Division of Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastalke Avenue, Suite 3453, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. diquinn@usc.edu

Molecular markers have the potential to serve not only as prognostic factors but may be targets for new therapeutic strategies and predictors of response in a range of cancers. Prostate cancer development and progression is predicated on a series of genetic and epigenetic events within the prostate cell and its milieu. Within this review, we identify candidate molecules involved in diverse processes such as cell proliferation, death and apoptosis, signal transduction, androgen receptor (AR) signalling, cellular adhesion and angiogenesis that are linked to outcome in prostate cancer. Current markers with potential prognostic value include p53, Bcl-2, p16INK4A, p27Kip1, c-Myc, AR, E-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor. Evolving technology permits the identification of an increasing number of molecular markers with prognosis and predictive potential. We also review the use of gene microarray analysis in gene discovery as a means of identifying and cosegregating novel markers of prostate cancer outcome. By integrating selected markers into prospective clinical trials, there is potential for us to provide specific targeted therapy tailored for an increasing number of patients.

Published 5 April 2005 in Eur J Cancer, 41(6): 858-87.
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