iTRAQ identification of candidate serum biomarkers associated with metastatic progression of human prostate cancer.

A major challenge in the management of patients with prostate cancer is identifying those individuals at risk of developing metastatic disease, as in most cases the disease will remain indolent. We analyzed pooled serum samples from 4 groups of patients (n = 5 samples/group), collected prospectively and actively monitored for a minimum of 5 yrs. Patients groups were (i) histological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia with no evidence of cancer 'BPH', (ii) localised cancer with no evidence of progression, 'non-progressing' (iii) localised cancer with evidence of biochemical progression, 'progressing', and (iv) bone metastasis at presentation 'metastatic'.

Durability and cost-effectiveness of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate when alpha-adrenergic antagonist therapy fails.

Purpose: We analyzed the adverse event profile, long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate in men with symptoms uncontrolled by medical therapy.

Materials And Methods: A total of 71 men on a waiting list for transurethral resection of the prostate after failed medical therapy underwent transurethral needle ablation of the prostate. Symptom scores, uroflowmetry and residual urine were measured before and up to 10 years following treatment.

DNA methylation and immunohistochemical analysis of the S100A4 calcium binding protein in human prostate cancer.

Background: The role of DNA methylation in the transcriptional regulation of S100A4 is unknown in human prostate cancer.

Methods: Critical CpG sites within intron 1 of S100A4 were sequenced in DNA obtained from prostatic adenocarcinoma, non-malignant epithelium, and prostate cancer cell lines. S100A4 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Anaerobic meningitis secondary to a rectothecal fistula arising from an anterior sacral meningocele: report of a case and review of the literature.

An anterior sacral meningocele is a diverticulum of the thecal sac protruding anteriorly from the sacral spinal canal into the extraperitoneal presacral space. It is a rare congenital anomaly comprising of a thin wall of fibrous connective tissue, and containing cerebrospinal fluid and, occasionally, adjacent nerve fibers. We report an unusual case of a 48-year-old male who presented with meningitis secondary to a rectothecal fistula arising from an anterior sacral meningocele.