PROLIFERATION, APOPTOSIS AND CELL-CYCLE REGULATION IN PROSTATIC CARCINOGENESIS

Cancer progression occurs because of imbalance in the processes of pro liferation, differentiation and programmed cell death, In prostate cel ls, these processes are regulated at least in part by androgens. Struc tural alterations occur in a variety of genes regulating such processe s. In order to obtain meaningful information on the biologic behavior of prostate cancers, it is important to assess androgen dependence and alterations in key genes regulating cell cycle kinetics as well as th e aberrant response in cellular proliferation and death that such gene tic events bring about. Most genetic alterations resulting in cancer p rogression alter normal cell cycle progression. Assessment of cell div ision cycle alterations by means of quantitative methods may have prog nostic value, while interference with cell cycle regulatory proteins m ay result in powerful therapeutic tools. Here we review the methodolog ies utilized in the assessment of cell cycle kinetics and the abnormal ities in proliferation and apoptosis encountered in prostate cancer. I n addition, alterations in novel, important genes likely to have an im pact on the behavior of prostate cancer and its precursor lesions are discussed. Molecular assessment of genetic alterations in genes that p lay it pivotal role in prostate cancer coupled with quantitative cytom etry of cell kinetics may be utilized for a more precise evaluation of biologic behavior of prostate neoplasms.