Lucy Wortham James Basic Research Award. Markers of prostatic carcinoma

Markers of human prostatic cancer are important diagnostic aids in the management of this most common tumor among US men. A rapidly expanding body of basic and clinical knowledge about the properties and behavior of these unique organ-specific macromolecules bridges the gap between sophisticated immunochemistry and everyday practice. As a consequence, the patient benefits, because greater opportunities for early detection of prostatic cancer provide more freedom in selecting the most effective treatment modalities. Parallel improvement in quantitative assessment of an existing tumor mass allows earlier and more precise monitoring of the positive therapeutic responses and/or disease progression, as well as better overall prognosis. In addition, marker molecules can provide specific targets for antibody-directed therapeutic compounds active against prostatic cancer. This study focused on three such markers: prostatic acid phosphatase, prostate-specific antigen, and a new membrane-associated marker defined by a monoclonal antibody called 7E11-C5. A critical evaluation of clinical usefulness and prospects for future developments are presented.