Urine TMPRSS2: ERG Fusion Transcript as a Biomarker for Prostate Cancer: Literature Review

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is one of the most valuable biomarkers in tumor biology and remains the standard marker in detecting and monitoring PCa. However, the high number of serum PSA false positive and false ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical genitourinary cancer 2016-04, Vol.14 (2), p.117-121
Main Authors: Sanguedolce, Francesca, Cormio, Antonella, Brunelli, Matteo, D'Amuri, Alessandro, Carrieri, Giuseppe, Bufo, Pantaleo, Cormio, Luigi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers, Tumor - genetics
Biomarkers, Tumor - urine
Diagnosis
Early Detection of Cancer
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Male
Male genital neoplasm
Molecular biology
Oncogene Proteins, Fusion - genetics
Oncogene Proteins, Fusion - urine
Prognosis
Prostate-Specific Antigen - blood
Prostatic Neoplasms - diagnosis
Prostatic Neoplasms - genetics
RNA, Long Noncoding - urine
Sensitivity and Specificity
Urine marker
Urology
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Summary:Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common male malignancies. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is one of the most valuable biomarkers in tumor biology and remains the standard marker in detecting and monitoring PCa. However, the high number of serum PSA false positive and false negative results make the identification of novel biomarkers extremely welcome to improve our diagnostic accuracy in detecting PCa and distinguishing the aggressive from the indolent ones. In this study, we analyzed the current role of urinary gene fusion transcripts involving v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog, commonly known as ERG, and the androgen-regulated gene transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), as a biomarker for PCa. Used as a single marker, urinary TMPRSS2:ERG has low sensitivity but high specificity. However, its combination with the other urinary marker PCa antigen 3 (PCA3) has been reported to provide high specificity and sensitivity. Finally, a commercially available assay combining serum PSA with urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG provides a 90% specificity and 80% sensitivity in diagnosing PCa. Urinary TMPRSS2:ERG also seems to be indicative of PCa aggressiveness upon biopsy. Should these findings be confirmed in larger studies, urinary TMPRSS2:ERG might become a valuable test not only for diagnosing PCa but also for distinguishing the aggressive tumors from the indolent ones.
ISSN:1558-7673
1938-0682
DOI:10.1016/j.clgc.2015.12.001