Potential Prognostic Markers for Human Prostate Cancer
Abstract
During the term of this project, we have made significant progress in developing a new prognostic assay for human prostate cancer. Thymosin beta-15 (TB 15) was originally detected in a differential display screen designed to find genes that were upregulated in the later stages of tumor progression. Our studies now show that TB 15 expression is extensively upregulated in prostate tumors that are invasive and/or metastatic. By determining the extent of TB 15 staining in tumor sections taken at the time of original diagnosis, one can obtain an indication of the likelihood that the tumor will progress to the metastatic state. We have also been able to develop an ELISA for TB 15 and have shown that we can detect this protein in the urine of patients with prostate cancer; particularly in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. We are undertaking a prospective study to determine whether urinary TB 15 levels at the time of diagnosis can also be predictive of future outcome. Finally, we have begun to develop a collagen-like protein that is upregulated in metastatic prostate cancer as a second prognostic marker. We believe that a panel of such agents will eventually provide an accurate prediction for the likelihood of failure, recurrence or metastasis in newly diagnosed patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADB274382
Entities
People
- Bruce R. Zetter