Urinary thromboxane B2 and thromboxane receptors in bladder cancer: opportunity for detection and monitoring.

We have previously found increased expression of thromboxane synthase (TXAS) and thromboxane receptor (TP) beta isoform in the tissues of patients with bladder cancer. Studies in cell lines and mice have indicated a potential significant role of the thromboxane signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of human bladder cancer. This study was designed to determine if the changes observed in the tissues of patients with bladder cancer were mirrored by changes in the urine of these patients. We found increased levels of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) the major metabolite of TXAS and increased levels of the TPß receptor. These results raised the possibility that patients with bladder cancer may be followed for progression or remission of their disease by quantitation of these substances in their urine.