Expression of estramustine-binding protein (EMBP) and the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 in prostatic carcinomas.

The expression of EMBP and the proliferation-associated antigen Ki-67 was studied in in vitro cultured prostatic carcinoma cells and in tumor tissues removed by transurethral electroresection (TUR). EMBP was found to be expressed predominantly in the moderately differentiated carcinomas. A technique based on the immunohistochemical analysis of fine needle specimens was also evaluated. This technique is of potential interest in prospective studies and in monitoring the effect of therapy. Ki-67 was found to be expressed in the prostatic carcinoma cell line (DU-145) studied, as well as in TUR specimens. This antigen reflects the proliferative characteristics of the tumor and may prove useful with respect to prognostic information and choice of appropriate therapy.