Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is becoming more widely used as a method of investigating prostatic disease. This study investigated the acceptance of this technique in 89 patients undergoing evaluation for suspected malignant disease. The true morbidity associated with TRUS and TRUS-guided biopsy was evaluated. Serious complications were rare, but minor complications were frequent. Careful counselling is recommended prior to the procedure in order to minimise the patients' anxiety and ensure that if complications do occur they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

The relationship between prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, prostate volume and age was examined in 472 men who underwent PSA assay (Hybritech), digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as part of a community survey of benign prostatic hyperplasia following exclusion of men with prostate cancer. The mean age of the study population was 60 years (range 40-79). The mean PSA was 2.4 ng/ml and 85% of the men had levels < 4 ng/ml. There was a modest correlation between PSA and both age and prostate volume. The mean prostate and adenoma volumes were 32 ml (SD 13.4) and 15 ml (SD 10.7) respectively. Prostate volume increased with age. Linear regression analysis revealed an independent association between PSA and age when controlling for volume. The mean ratio of PSA per unit of prostate volume was 0.072 ng/ml. This ratio also increased with age. Age and prostate volume influences PSA levels independently. The sensitivity and specificity of PSA adjusted for volume and age in the diagnosis of prostate cancer need to be evaluated in association with DRE and TRUS.

Although the modified Fisher and Claassen scales have yet to be prospectively validated, the authors' findings suggest that the clinical performance of these systems is superior to that of the Fisher scale.

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These data suggest that decreasing the level of pCREB inhibits the growth and metastasis of RCC by targeting the Ser 133 site.