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Tomlins, S.A., Mehra, R., Rhodes, D.R., Smith, L.R., Roulston, D., Helgesson, B.E., et al. (2006) TMPRSS2: ETV4 gene fusions define a third molecular subtype of prostate cancer. Cancer Research, 66, 3396-3400. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-0168

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• TITLE: Synergy between molecular biology and imaging science toward mechanism-based biomarkers associated with prostate cancer

  AUTHORS: Belinda Seto

  KEYWORDS: Prostate Cancer; Biomarkers; Imaging; Molecular Mechanisms

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Vol.5 No.12A, December 31, 2012

  ABSTRACT: Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with subtypes that are characterized by different molecular profiles as a result of chromosomal rearrangements, epigenetic modifications, and activation of various signaling pathways. The subtype heterogeneity contributes to the challenges with a definitive diagnosis and biomarkers for disease progression. The current diagnostic test based on the detection of prostate specific antigen lacks sensitivity and specificity. Imaging plays an important role in characterizing biomarkers and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. For example, 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy glucose is commonly used to assess cancer cell metabolism. More recently, magnetic resonance spectroscopic observations of the in vivo dynamic conversion of hyperpolarized 13C- pyruvate to lactate demonstrate that imaging enables the visualization of molecular processes. Biomarkers have also been developed that reveal aberrant cell growth and proliferation, both hallmarks of cancer. Androgen dependent and independent signaling path- ways underpin prostate cancer pathogenesis as they lead to downstream effect in cell growth, proliferation, survival, and suppression of apoptosis. Molecular imaging with radiolabeled ligands and positron emission tomography/computed tomography has provided quantitative characterization of the interactions between receptors and testosterone or growth factors. These observations, along with data on genetic alterations of the receptor genes, shed light on signal transduction involved in prostate cancer. This review article highlights advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer and the synergy of this knowledge with imaging in characterizing potential biomarkers of the disease.