The role of molecular biology in detection and monitoring of prostate cancer.

The study of molecular markers in various types of human carcinomas, as well as in carcinoma of prostate, is focused on genes responsible for the formation of carcinoma. Mutation, amplification or other changes in these genes or in their protein products are being examined and compared with traditional prognostic markers. These genes can be characterized as oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes or genes for other significant cell functions. However, studies are often limited by heterogenity and multifocality of tumors, especially in prostate cancer. In this review, we offer a survey of some of the most frequent diagnostic and prognostic parameters of molecular biology research in relation to prostate cancer.