Relevance of molecular markers in prostate cancer.

摘要

TO THE EDITOR: The editorial by Gelmann and Henshall (1) on our article (2) regarding molecular markers in prostate cancer (2) may generate several misconceptions. Our emphasis was on novel associations between molecular markers obtained at biopsy and long-term mortality. Although many articles "evaluating correlations of P53 and BCL2 expression and microvessel density" (1) have indeed been published elsewhere, a gap in knowledge still existed-whether marker status at diagnosis (vs. after surgery) affects survival (vs. presuming biochemical failure is an equivalent outcome). By conducting a comprehensive review of medical records, retrieving original biopsy tissue, and using rigorous methods of clinical epidemiology, we demonstrated in a large community-based population that these ; markers at diagnosis confer an independent, long-term risk for death from prostate cancer.