The prognostic value of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activity in biopsy specimens from patients with reactivated prostatic cancer.

The quotient between the activities of acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in biopsy specimens of malignant prostatic tissue varied among 11 patients with reactivated, estrogen-resistant prostatic carcinoma. No correlation was found between the quotient and the therapeutic response to estramustine phosphate. In biopsy specimens obtained after 2 months' treatment, the quotient was lower in those patients who responded to the treatment. Thus, the quotient before treatment is of no prognostic use but diminution of the quotient found after treatment for 2 months is a sign of good clinical effect of the therapy.