Glutathione S-transferase pi gene methylation: The search for a molecular marker of prostatic adenocarcinoma

Glutathione S-transferase pi gene methylation has recently been described i n prostatic adenocarcinoma. Aggregate data on 115 samples studied to date h ave found an 87% sensitivity and 92% specificity for prostate cancer diagno sis. The current literature about this new marker is herein summarized, and possible molecular mechanisms by which glutathione S-transferase pi may pa rticipate in prostatic carcinogenesis are reviewed. The possible clinical i mplications of this molecular alteration in the diagnosis of prostatic aden ocarcinoma are also studied.