Prognostic value of combined "triple"-reverse transcription-PCR analysis for prostate-specific antigen, human kallikrein 2, and prostate-specific membrane antigen mRNA in peripheral blood and lymph nodes of prostate cancer patients.

Purpose: We present the largest study of both peripheral blood and lymph node samples examining the utility of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for established molecular markers as a diagnostic tool in the molecular staging of prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Experimental Design: Peripheral blood from 358 patients was obtained before radical prostatectomy. Corresponding obturatory lymph node samples were collected from 153 of these patients.

Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial.

Purpose: Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy?

Material And Methods: Fifty-six patients with an indication for adjuvant pelvic irradiation after curative surgery were double-blind randomized. All patients took 3 x 4 capsules study medication daily during radiotherapy. Twenty-eight patients in the enzyme group (EG) received capsules containing papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin, 28 in the placebo group (PG) received placebo capsules.