PROSTATE-SPECIFIC MEMBRANE ANTIGEN AND OTHER PROSTATIC TUMOR-MARKERS ON THE HORIZON

The study of tissue-specific antigens enhances our understanding of th e unique functions and characteristics of that particular organ. ident ification of several of these antigens in the prostate has afforded si gnificant insight into the complex processes involved in prostate tumo rigenesis. The prostate-specific membrane antigen is the most extensiv ely characterized prostate antigen to date, excluding prostate-specifi c antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase. Prostate-specific membrane a ntigen has been shown to be an effective and exciting molecular target for new technologies such as monoclonal antibody-directed radionuclid e imaging and for cytotoxic targeting of prostatic metastases. This ar ticle discusses various potential markers that may play a future role in elucidating the heterogeneity and affecting the therapy of prostati c cancer.