Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 as a marker of aggressive and advanced prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION

There is a need for a new biochemical marker of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) is a candidate for such a marker - its activity is increased in certain tumors and neoplastic cell lines, including PCa, and may correlate with cancer aggressiveness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

IMPDH2 levels were measured in blood samples from 34 PCa patients. The results were analyzed and correlated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), Gleason score, risk groups according to d'Amico and metastatic disease. Twenty healthy (non-PCa) patients served as the control group.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in IMPDH2 level between the PCa and control group, and no significant correlation between PSA and IMPDH2. IMPDH2 levels were significantly higher in the DRE (+) patients (148.5 ±174.8 vs. 33.4 ±46.4, p <0.05), in patients with metastatic disease (100.1 ±139.0 vs. 25.3 ±25.9, p <0.05) and in the high-risk group according to d'Amico (93.4 ±129.2 vs. 18.8 ±10.4, p <0.05). There was a significant correlation between the Gleason score and IMPDH2.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that IMPDH2 is a promising candidate as a biomarker for those with advanced PCa and those at high risk of progression towards advanced PCa.