Prognostic value of genefusion proteins in prostatic cancer

Background. Currently, in the study of prostate cancer, much attention is given to specific molecular patterns reflecting the biological potential of the tumor. Of most interest is analysis of the proteins of chimeric genes in a tumor.

Aim of study is analysis of peculiarities of ERG and PBOV1 proteins expression in tumor cells and correlation of them with the prognostic parameters of the disease in patients.

Materials and Methods. The group of study consisted of 85 patients diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma (stage II-III of the disease, T_1-3N_1-2M₀), after radical prostatectomy. No specific preoperative treatment was given. Histological examination was conducted using a standard method, and immunohistochemical one – with use of an automatic stainer. Morphological characteristics of the tumor, of distant regional lymph nodes and of seminal vesicles were evaluated. Correlation between the histological and expression parameters of tumor and occurrence of distant metastases was studied.

Results. Correlation was found between parameters of expression of the studied proteins with such variant of tumor progression as hematogenic metastasis. A higher percentage of expression of ERG and PBOV1markers in cells of prostate carcinoma correlates with a lower degree of tumor differentiation and with a poor prognosis for the course of the disease.

Conclusion. The results of the conducted research demonstrate significance of ERG and PBOV1 proteins as additional prognostic factors in patients with prostate carcinoma, and probably may be used for evaluation of prognosis of the disease in selection of the management tactics for the given category of patients.