The Val158Met polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene is associated with the PSA-progression-free survival in prostate cancer patients treated with estramustine phosphate.

Objective: The aim of our study is to find out the good responders for estramustine phosphate (EMP) therapy in patients with prostate cancer. We have focused on the metabolism of EMP and studied the association between a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (Val158Met of COMT) and PSA-progression-free survival in Japanese patients with prostate cancer treated by EMP.

Methods: Seventy-two Japanese patients with previously untreated prostate cancer who were found to be eligible for low-dose EMP therapy were enrolled in the study.