Toward an understanding of the molecular genetics of prostate cancer progression.

Abstract

The study of the disease process of prostate cancer has revealed, over many years, numerous chromosomal and genetic alterations associated with the development and progression of this cancer. Although there is much information relating to prostate cancer at the molecular level, little is known as to how these alterations relate to each other. Also, a link between prostate cancer and its likely precursor lesions, such as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, is not well established. This review aims to summarize current knowledge of the genetics of prostate cancer and its precursor lesions, with particular mention of the relatively new class of genes involved in the acquisition of the metastatic phenotype, the metastasis suppressor genes.