Influence of biopsy perineural invasion on long-term biochemical disease-free survival after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To investigate the influence of biopsy perineural invasion (PNI) on long-term prostate-specific antigen recurrence rates, final pathologic stage, and surgical margin status of men treated with radical prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy offers the best chance for surgical cure when performed for organ-confined disease. However, the histologic identification of PNI on prostate biopsy has been associated with a decreased likelihood of pathologically organ-confined disease.

Contemporary update of prostate cancer staging nomograms (Partin Tables) for the new millennium.

Objectives: We previously presented nomograms combining preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical (TNM) stage, and biopsy Gleason score to provide the likelihood of various final pathologic stages at radical retropubic prostatectomy. The data for the original nomograms were collected from men treated between 1982 and 1996. During the past 10 years, the stage at presentation has shifted, with more men presenting with Stage T1c, Gleason score 5 to 6, and serum PSA levels less than 10.

Nuclear shape and nuclear matrix protein composition in prostate and seminal vesicles.

Objectives: The nucleus controls cell function and behavior. The nuclear matrix determines internal nuclear changes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is the reference standard for the analysis of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) composition.

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and lethal prostate cancer.

Purpose: Reports in the osteoporosis literature demonstrating the increased activity of specific alleles of the vitamin D receptor and epidemiological data linking vitamin D levels with prostate cancer have stimulated research into possible associations between vitamin D receptor genotype and the development of prostate cancer. Recent studies showed that patients homozygous for a less active vitamin D receptor have a 4 to 5 times increased risk of localized prostate cancer. In 1 study this association was strongest in patients with advanced disease.