[Detection of telomerase activity in prostate needle-biopsy samples].

Authors :: Wang X
Zhang Y
Ding Q
Ye L
Zhai L
Jia W
Source :: Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery] [Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi] 1999 Dec; Vol. 37 (12), pp. 762-4.
Publication Year :: 1999
Abstract: Objective: To detect telomerase activity inprostate needle-biopsy samples and its role in diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.<br />Methods: 20 tissue samples of prostate cancer tissues and 16 samples of adjacent tissues were obtained by needle-biopsy guided by transrectal B ultrasonography. 16 samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues were obtained by prostatectomy and were confirmed pathologically. Telomerase activity was revealed by modified PCR-based telomeric repeat amplication protocol (TRAP)-silver staining assay.<br />Results: Telomerase activity was revealed in 18 cases of prostate cancer. In tissues adjacent to prostate cancer, telomerase activity was found in 7 of 11 cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and in 2 of 5 cases of BPH. None of tissue samples from patients with BPH showed telomerase activity.<br />Conclusions: Telomerase activity in prostate needle-biopsy samples might be an useful marker for detecting prostate cancer and biological malignancy.