Molecular Markers and Prostate Cancer Radiation Response
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a frequently used treatment for prostate cancer but some prostate cancers respond less well to radiation than others, leading in some cases to recurrence of the cancer. If it could be predicted before treatment whether a patient's prostate cancer was likely to respond well to radiation, then radiation could be given to those likely to respond and be withheld in favor of other treatments in those less likely to have their tumors controlled. Levels of p53, Bcl-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor are being measured in approximately 160 subjects previously treated for prostate cancer, half with radiotherapy and half with radical prostatectomy. These patients were treated greater than 5 years ago and their outcomes are known. The presence or absence of abnormal marker levels in each subject's tumor are being compared to tumor control rates Relationships between certain markers, the two therapies and control rates may emerge. Such results could identify markers useful in choosing optimal treatment for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. Results to date indicate the abnormal p53 status is a very strong, independent predictor of treatment failure, while abnormal bcl-2 status is a less strong but still statistically significant predictor as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415011
Entities
People
- Mark A. Ritter
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison