Molecular markers in urologic oncology: prostate cancer

Curr Opin Urol. 2016 May;26(3):225-30. doi: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000273.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The increased clinical availability of a wide variety of molecular tests will potentially reshape the care of both men at risk for prostate cancer and men already diagnosed. It is imperative that clinicians be familiar with indications and clinical relevance of these tests.

Recent findings: The continued clinical validation in new and expanded clinical cohorts and reports of clinical experience with various molecular markers is a rapidly evolving body of literature. Results of large patient series demonstrate that these markers increase the precision of available information used in clinical management decision-making and joint physician-patient discussions regarding treatment options.

Summary: These tests may make more accurate management decisions possible for those whom have been 'over-diagnosed' with biologically indolent disease which represents an exceptionally small mortality risk. They also may aid in more accurate diagnosis of significant cancer, as well as more precise application of adjuvant therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Biopsy
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / economics
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Prostate / metabolism
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostate / physiology
  • Prostate / physiopathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / mortality
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Watchful Waiting

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor