Prostatic Zn determination for prostate cancer diagnosis.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Oncology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Prostate cancer diagnosis relies on various methods, but novel, non-invasive techniques are needed.
• Zinc (Zn) concentration in the prostate shows potential as a biomarker for prostate cancer (CAP).
• Current methods for measuring Zn in prostate tissue have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and validate a novel diagnostic method for prostate cancer (CAP) using in vivo prostatic Zn mapping.
• To assess the clinical validity of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) trans-rectal probe for Zn concentration measurements.
• To correlate in vitro Zn measurements with histological findings and patient parameters.

Main Methods:

• Developed a technique for absolute Zn content determination in fresh prostate tissue samples (approx. 1mm³) using XRF.
• Conducted in vitro measurements of Zn concentration in needle-biopsy samples from hundreds of patients.
• Outlined the design of an XRF trans-rectal probe for in vivo Zn mapping and reported on laboratory phantom studies.

Main Results:

• Established a correlation between prostatic Zn concentration and histological findings.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of in vitro Zn measurement in prostate biopsy samples.
• Presented preliminary design and expected performance of the in vivo XRF trans-rectal probe.

Conclusions:

• The proposed in vivo prostatic Zn mapping method using XRF shows potential for accurate prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Further development and clinical application of the XRF trans-rectal probe are warranted.
• Zn concentration analysis in prostate tissue is a promising avenue for improved CAP detection.