The Potential of Circulating Endothelial Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer

The document reports on the potential of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) as prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer. The study found that CEC levels were significantly elevated in preclinical prostate cancer models and correlated with tumor volume, weight, and microvessel density. In clinical analysis, patients with metastatic disease had higher median levels of CECs compared to patients with stable treated disease, and those with biochemical recurrence post-surgery had CEC levels above 100 / mcL. The study concludes that CEC levels could be a promising prognostic marker for prostate cancer, correlating with tumor variables in preclinical models and advanced disease in patients. Prospective studies are recommended to further investigate the value of this marker. Additionally, the document mentions a study on androgen receptor gene polymorphism and its relationship to androgen-sensitive genes expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia, carcinoma of the prostate, and androgenetic alopecia. It also discusses the use of a panel of tumor suppressor genes in plasma DNA samples for non-invasive diagnosis of prostate cancer.