前立腺癌におけるガンマセミノプロテイン（γ-Sm）とγ-Sm/前立腺特異抗原（PSA）比の予後因子としての意義

摘要

The utility of PSA ratio (free/total PSA) in the diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer is the primary focus of our current research into the interrelationships between various prostate cancer markers. In the present study I evaluated the clinical significance of cancer markers, namely prostate specific antigen (PSA) and gamma-seminoprotein (γ-Sm), as prognostic factors. Levels of PSA andγ-Sm were analyzed in 139 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between January 1989 and December 1998. Levels of PSA andγ-Sm were measured using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method. The 139 patients were divided into two groups with respect to medians of each marker, andγ-Sm/PSA ratio. Differences in survival rates were then compared by the Kaplan-Meier method. Among high stage patients, PSA did not represent statistically significant prognostic factors. However, significant differences were observed inγ-Sm andγ-Sm/PSA ratios with regard to survival rates and relapse-free rates. As a result,γ-Sm/PSA ratio is useful not only as a diagnostic factor, but also as a prognostic factor.