Prognostic indicators in prostatic cancer.
For therapeutic decisions it is essential to have an evaluation of the tumor volume and the grade of dedifferentiation. Measurement of PSA gives a good additional guide to the tumor volume and to dissemination of the disease. Investigation of the DNA ploidy values can offer further important information on the aggressiveness of the tumor and be helpful for our understanding of the process of tumor propagation. However, DNA studies can still not be regarded as being standard in the clinical work-up of these patients. They are optional but they have a definite place in the research on prostatic cancer. The various methods to study tumor growth by analysis of the S phase fraction are interesting new contributions but still belong to the research laboratories. When we consider prognostic indicators we have to take into account the biologic character of carcinogenesis. Modern research has shown that the development and the progression of cancer is not an instantaneous and solitary reaction. It is a series of events and a net-work reaction between growth-regulating factors, stimulating and inhibiting, a step-wise alteration of the genome. We must recognize that what we are observing is the condition at the present time, and, of course, the observation must be evaluated together with the whole clinical scenario, the man's age, his general condition etc. But still the series of diagnostic procedures presented here will give a rather solid ground for both our therapeutic decisions and for evaluation of the results of treatment.
Andersson
L
L
Department of Urology, Karolinska Institute and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011003:Ploidies; D011379:Prognosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm