MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY OF PROSTATE-CANCER - NEW AVENUES

Co-operation and communication between clinicians and scientists is re quired to meet the major challenges presented by the diagnosis and the rapy of prostate cancer. Molecular oncology is playing an increasing r ole in this field and has already been instrumental in elucidating man y of the basic mechanisms underlying the development and progression o f prostate cancer. By understanding these mechanisms, factors which de termine whether the tumour will metastasise, such as loss of function of E-cadherin, have been identified and may help the clinician determi ne which therapeutic strategy is most appropriate for an individual pa tient. Clinicians also need more sensitive tools to help them diagnose prostate cancer and monitor its progression. The marker DD3/PCA3 show s potential in this respect. Perhaps the most fruitful area for molecu lar research is in the definition of new therapeutic targets useful in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. In the early stages of developmen t are those agents which target the activation of programmed cell deat h, inhibition of signal transduction, inactivation of telomerase activ ity, and differentiation therapy. In order to accelerate the implement ation of diagnostic aids and more effective therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer, clinicians must have a greater insight into the mole cular mechanisms operating in their patients' disease and scientists n eed to understand the clinical problems involved.