Molecular Diagnostic of Prostate Cancer From Body Fluids Using Methylation-Specific PCR (MS-PCR) Method.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide prostate cancer (PCa) represents the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths among men. Currently, the screening for early detection of PCa is based on determination of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. But this biomarker presents some disadvantages related to its specificity and sensitivity. In our study, we want to determine if methylation levels of the glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene could be used as a new biomarker for the early detection of PCa and to distinguish between malignant and benign pros-tatic lesions. METHODS: To determine the methylation levels of the GSTP1 gene, 31 men with histopathological diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma and 34 men with the histopathological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as controls were included in the study group. The genomic DNA was extracted from urine samples. We analyzed the methylation levels of the GSTP1 gene by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) method. RESULTS: In prostate cancer patients 27 of 31 (87%) presented hypermethylated levels of the GSTP1 gene, whereas 4 of 34 (11.8%) BPH patients had hypermethylated levels of the GSTP1 gene. Further, in the case of these four patients a second biopsy was done, which confirmed the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. Using the receiver operating curve (ROC), we obtained a specificity of 87% and a sensitivity of 98% for the GSTP1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that GSTP1 represents a new molecular biomarker which can aid in early detection of PCa and be used to discriminate between benign and malignant prostatic lesions from body fluids by noninvasive methods.

Renal Cancer Diagnosed by Noninvasive Methods from Body Fluids by Quantitative Methylation-Specific PCR(qMSP).

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents the 9th most common malignancy in the world, having an incidence peak in the range of 60 to 70 years of age. Most of these malignancies are detected in an advanced stage. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing new tools composed of biomarkers. METHODS: In the present study we measured the promoter methylation of the Ras association domain family 1A gene (RASSF1A) by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) in paired urine samples from 13 RC patients and from 13 corresponding controls. RESULTS: In RC patients, only 2 of 13 (15.4%) were unmethylated, whereas 11 of 13 (84.6%) were methylated. In the control group all the subjects were unmethylated. We analyzed the receiver operating curve (ROC) and obtained a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 100%, respectively, for the RASSF1A gene. The area under the curve (AUC) was of 0.923. CONCLUSIONS: Being involved in the initiation and progression of renal carcinogenesis, RASSF1A gene could aid as a biomarker in the early detection of renal cancer, its prognosis, and in its follow-up.

A rare case of renal hydatidosis in a child with congenital solitary kidney.

Hydatid cyst of a solitary congenital kidney is a rare entity because of the small percentage of cases with renal hydatidosis and the reduced number of cases with this renal anomaly. We report a case presenting this extremely rare combination and having a favorable outcome. The diagnosis was confirmed based on an association of imagistic techniques and positive serology. The case was managed using a minimal invasive surgical technique (PAIR) that reduced the operative risks. Additionally, an antihelminthic agent (albendazole) was administered. To our knowledge, this is the first case with such comorbidity and treated through percutaneous approach.

Intravesical prostatic protrusion can be a predicting factor for the treatment outcome in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction treated with tamsulosin.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the intravesical protrusion of the prostate (IPP) on the response to medical treatment with tamsulosin for a 3 month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, which was conducted between 2009 and 2011 in the ambulatory clinic of an academic hospital, divided 183 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction in 2 groups (90 and 93 patients, respectively) according to intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP): group A ≤10 mm; group B >10 mm. Patients were treated with tamsulosin (0.4 mg, once daily) for 3 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; -35% and -3 points) and maximum urinary flow (Qmax) assessed by uroflowmetry (+1.6 mL/s and +25%) response criteria were defined. Patients' responses from the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, Qmax increased, with 2.74 mL/s (25%) in group A (P <.01) and 1.59 mL/s (19%) in group B (P = .07). IPSS decreased, with 39.9% (P < .01) and 29.7% (P = .08), respectively. Statistically significant differences were noted for IPSS -35% responders (78% group A vs 58% group B, P <.01), -3 points IPSS responders (82% vs 64%), Qmax +25% responders (82% vs 58%), and Qmax +1.6 mL/s responders (85% vs 62%, P <.01). No major adverse events occurred. The relative small number of patients enrolled was the main study limitation. CONCLUSION: Men with IPP exceeding 10 mm seem to be more frequently poor responders to medical treatment with tamsulosin among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction, prostatic volume <40 mL, and prostate-specific antigen <1.5 ng/mL.