NUCLEAR-PROTEIN AS A PROGNOSTIC FACTOR OF GROWTH-ACTIVITY IN PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

The value of nuclear protein (NP) as a prognostic parameter in prostat ic adenocarcinoma was investigated. The NP and DNA contents of two pro static tumour lines with a well-documented hormonal dependency (PC-82, PC-EW) were compared to the NP and DNA contents of two xenografts wit h only partial or no response to androgen deprivation (LNCaP, PC-133). After hormonal treatment the PC-82 and PC-EW tumours showed a signifi cant decrease in the NP/DNA ratio, which coincided with a decrease in the proliferative activity [anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU) antibody-lab elling index] of the same specimens. In the fast-growing LNCaP tumour an increased percentage of cells with high NP and DNA contents was fou nd. The tumours PC-82, PC-EW, and PC-133 with lower proliferative acti vity showed lower nuclear protein and DNA contents. In a pilot study o f 20 prostatic biopsies the amount of nuclear protein and DNA in grade 1-3 tumours as well as in dysplasia was measured. Statistically signi ficant differences (P < 0.002) were found between grade 1 and grade 3 tumours. The mean NP/DNA ratio was increased in high-grade malignancie s. Nuclear protein appeared to be a potential parameter in predicting growth activity in prostatic carcinoma.