PROSTATE-CANCER - THE INTERFACE BETWEEN PATHOLOGY AND BASIC SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH

Current research into prostate cancer increasingly demands greater inp ut from pathologists. There is a requirement for improved morphologica l assessment, classification and grading of neoplasia. The provision o f optimally preserved material and establishment of tissue 'banks' is vital to facilitate molecular biological analysis. Microdissection of archival material can provide a source of relatively pure DNA and mRNA which can be further amplified by PCR/RT-PCR. This enables allelic im balance, point mutations and other genetic abnormalities to be demonst rated. In-situ hybridization for mRNA is feasible on fixed tissues and allows precise localization of gene expression on complex tissues or for labile gene products. Experimental models including transgenic mic e and in-vitro co-culture systems require sophisticated morphological analysis. Experts in morphological analysis are essential members of b asic scientific and translational research teams.