Molecular markers for predicting recurrence, progression and outcomes of bladder cancer (do the poster boys need new posters?).
OBJECTIVE
Molecular markers for bladder cancer recurrence and progression continue to drive many research programmes. Translating the laboratory findings into the clinical environment where these markers are used in clinical decision making has proved problematic. In the clinical arena, stage and grade are still the main focus for decisions about patient management. There is however an evolution in bladder cancer research from single-marker/single-pathway research to a more global assessment of the tumour cell with DNA microarrays and proteomics.


RESULTS
In the last year, DNA microarray assessment has revealed several interesting molecular markers such as p33ING1 and DEK. Parallel "conventional" single-pathway research has focused on new novel markers such as HER2/neu, survivin and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Molecular markers that have a long-standing association with bladder cancer progression such as p53, E-cadherin and Ki-67 have been reviewed by both single-marker studies and by microarray studies and their status remains important.


CONCLUSIONS
It is an exciting time in the molecular biology research of bladder cancer as the focus changes to assess the global genetic and protein expression within tumour cells. From such a wealth of information it is likely that molecular markers will make the translation from benchside to bedside.
Department of Urology, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT7 9AB, Northern Ireland, UK. bjduggan71@hotmail.com
Brian
B
Duggan
Kate
K
Williamson
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor