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Updated: May 8, 2026
07:42
Laser-capture Microdissection of Human Prostatic Epithelium for RNA Analysis
Published on: November 26, 2015
Emerging roles of human prostatic Acid phosphatase
Hoon Young Kong1, Jonghoe Byun
1Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Nanosensor and Biotechnology, Dankook University, Yongin 448-701, Republic of Korea.
Biomolecules & Therapeutics
|September 7, 2013
Summary
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is being re-evaluated for prostate cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy. Renewed interest highlights its prognostic value for intermediate to high-risk prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Western countries.
- Early diagnosis significantly improves prostate cancer cure rates.
- Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an enzyme produced by prostate epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revisit the multifaceted roles of PAP in prostate cancer.
- To discuss the emerging applications of PAP in cancer prognosis and immunotherapy.
- To explore the unclear molecular mechanisms regulating PAP in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in prostate cancer.
- Analysis of PAP's historical diagnostic use and its displacement by PSA.
- Examination of recent studies on PAP's prognostic and immunotherapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- PAP was historically a key diagnostic marker for prostate cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) largely replaced PAP due to improved early detection.
- PAP shows renewed promise in prognosing intermediate to high-risk prostate cancers and in immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Despite being largely displaced by PSA, PAP is regaining importance in prostate cancer management.
- PAP's utility in predicting outcomes and its role in immunotherapy warrant further investigation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate PAP's exact role in normal prostate function and its regulatory mechanisms.
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