Nuclear factor (NF)-kB/p65 regulates the transcription of a wide variety of genes involved in cell survival, invasion and metastasis. We characterised by immunohistochemistry the expression of NF-kB/p65 protein in six histologically normal prostate, 13 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 86 prostate adenocarcinoma specimens. Nuclear localisation of p65 was used as a measure of NF-kB active state. Nuclear localisation of NF-kB was only seen in scattered basal cells in normal prostate glands. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias exhibited diffuse and strong cytoplasmic staining but no nuclear staining. In prostate adenocarcinomas, cytoplasmic NF-kB was detected in 57 (66.3%) specimens, and nuclear NF-kB (activated) in 47 (54.7%). Nuclear and cytoplasmic NF-kB staining was not correlated (P ¼ 0.19). By univariate analysis, nuclear localisation of NF-kB was associated with biochemical relapse (P ¼ 0.0009; log-rank test) while cytoplasmic expression did not. On multivariate analysis, serum preoperative prostate specific antigen (P ¼ 0.02), Gleason score (P ¼ 0.03) and nuclear NF-kB (P ¼ 0.002) were independent predictors of biochemical relapse. These results provide novel evidence for NF-kB/p65 nuclear translocation in the transition from PIN to prostate cancer. Our findings also indicate that nuclear localisation of NF-kB is an independent prognostic factor of biochemical relapse in prostate cancer.

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Our results confirm previous evaluations, showing similar AUCs and results in sensitivity and specificity to other studies.%p2PSA and phi raise the accuracy in the detection of prostate cancer, reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies and improving the prediction of the aggressiveness of the tumor.

We have used strontium-89 chloride (89Sr) for the palliative treatment of metastatic bone pain. Seventy-six patients (50 males with prostate carcinoma and 26 females with breast cancer) were treated with 148 MBq of 89Sr. Sixteen patients were retreated, receiving two or three doses; the total number of injected doses was consequently 95. The Karnofsky performance status was assessed and pain and analgesia were scored on scales of 9 and 5 points, respectively. The efficacy of 89Sr was evaluated at 3 months of treatment. Three levels of response were considered: good - when there was an increase in the Karnofsky status and a decrease in the pain score (equal to or higher than 4) or analgesic score (equal to or higher than 1); partial - when there was an increase in the Karnofsky status and a decrease in the pain score (2 or 3 points) without significant changes in the analgesic score; no response - if no variation or deterioration in these parameters was observed. In prostate cancer patients, the response was good in 64% of cases and partial in 25%, and there was no response in the remaining 11%. In breast cancer patients, the response was good in 62% of cases and partial in 31%, and there was no response in the remaining 8%. Duration of the response ranged from 3 to 12 months (mean 6 months). In the patients who were retreated the effectiveness was as good as after the first dose of 89Sr. A decrease in the initial leucocyte and platelet counts was observed after the 1st month of treatment, with a gradual partial to complete recovery within 6 months. It is concluded that 89Sr is an effective agent in palliative therapy for metastatic bone pain in patients with prostate or breast carcinoma. If required, retreatment can be administered safely and with the same efficacy as is achieved by the first dose.