Using high molecular-weight proteomic analysis, we previously showed that Staphylococcal nuclease domain-containing protein 1 (SND1) is highly expressed in recurrent androgen-insensitive prostate cancer tissues. SND1 is a component of the RNA-induced splicing complex that mediates RNA interference, leading to degradation of specific mRNAs. The objective of this study was to further characterize SND1 expression and to investigate its biological potential in prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy specimens were obtained from 62 prostate cancer patients. SND1 immunohistochemical staining patterns were evaluated using an in-house polyclonal antibody. We confirmed SND1 mRNA expression in prostate cancer cells using an in situ hybridization technique. To determine the importance of SND1 mRNA, we knocked down SND1 in vitro with small interfering RNA and observed a significant decrease in cell growth. SND1 was expressed in 60 of 62 prostate cancers (97%), appearing in the cytoplasm as small, granular structures; it was also present at high levels in prostate cancer specimens, while in hyperplasia specimens and normal epithelium, it was weakly or negatively expressed. SND1 expression intensity increased with increasing grade and aggressiveness of the cancer. As SND1 mRNA was overexpressed in cancer cells, the growth of these cells was suppressed following SND1 knockdown in vitro, thus representing a promising prostate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.

Background : The aim of the study presented here was to stratify drug therapy for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) displaying various voiding symptoms. Methods : Two different a 1-adrenoceptor antagonists; tamsulosin hydrochloride (Tam) and naftopidil (Naf ), were administered to 96 patients with BPH for 8 weeks in a crossover study.Results : With the administration of both drugs, the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) significantly decreased and the maximum urinary flow significantly increased. Whereas Naf monotherapy decreased the I-PSS for storage symptoms, Tam monotherapy decreased the I-PSS for voiding symptoms. In both the Naf-to-Tam and Tam-to-Naf groups, crossover was effective when the initial drug was judged subjectively and objectively to have been ineffective. Compliance was acceptable with both drugs. Conclusion : Our results show that either Naf or Tam can be used to treat patients on the basis of objective and subjective assessment of voiding symptoms. Our findings should be helpful for patient guidance and treatment of BPH.

BackgroundThe optimal protocol for 125I-transperineal prostatic brachytherapy (TPPB) in intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients remains controversial. Data on the efficacy of combining androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) with 125I-TPPB in this group remain limited and consequently the guidelines of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) provide no firm recommendations.Methods/DesignSeed and Hormone for Intermediate-risk Prostate Cancer (SHIP) 0804 is a phase III, multicenter, randomized, controlled study that will investigate the impact of adjuvant ADT following neoadjuvant ADT and 125I-TPPB. Prior to the end of March, 2011, a total of 420 patients with intermediate-risk, localized PCa will be enrolled and randomized to one of two treatment arms. These patients will be recruited from 20 institutions, all of which have broad experience of 125I-TPPB. Pathological slides will be centrally reviewed to confirm patient eligibility. The patients will initially undergo 3-month ADT prior to 125I-TPPB. Those randomly assigned to adjuvant therapy will subsequently undergo 9 months of adjuvant ADT. All participants will be assessed at baseline and at the following intervals: every 3 months for the first 24 months following 125I-TPPB, every 6 months during the 24- to 60-month post-125I-TPPB interval, annually between 60 and 84 months post-125I-TPPB, and on the 10th anniversary of treatment.The primary endpoint is biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS). Secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), clinical progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, salvage therapy non-adaptive interval, acceptability (assessed using the international prostate symptom score [IPSS]), quality of life (QOL) evaluation, and adverse events. In the correlative study (SHIP36B), we also evaluate biopsy results at 36 months following treatment to examine the relationship between the results and the eventual recurrence after completion of radiotherapy.DiscussionThese two multicenter trials (SHIP0804 & SHIP36B) are expected to provide crucial data regarding the efficacy, acceptability and safety of adjuvant ADT. SHIP36B will also provide important information about the prognostic implications of PSA levels in intermediate-risk PCa patients treated with 125I-TPPB.Trial registrationNCT00664456, NCT00898326, JUSMH-BRI-GU05-01, JUSMH-TRIGU0709

The results of this study suggested the A-E sequence had longer combined PSA and total PSA-PFS compared to the E-A sequence in patients with CRPC. LDH values in sequential therapy may serve as a predictor of longer combined PFS.

CEUS with Sonazoid(®) improved the detection rate of PCa by visualizing cancerous lesions. More detailed examination of CEUS images provided efficient characterization especially in the TZ area. TBx according to this procedure is expected to enable a lower number of biopsies and more accurate diagnosis of PCa.