Diagnostic, prognostic and predictive parameters in prostate cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer (CP) is the most common malignancy in men in America, while it is the second most common in Europe. It is responsible for about 10% of cancer deaths in the same population. It is clinically manifested in various forms, from slow-growing to aggressive forms with pronounced metastatic potential. Diagnosis is made by a well-defined algorithm, which begins with the determination of serum prostate specific antigen values and ends with prostate biopsy as the "gold standard". Pathohistological diagnostic criterias are based on architectural, cytoplasmic, nuclear and characteristics of intraluminal structures, as well as periacinar cleftings, which are deffined as helpfull diagnostic criteria of undoubted importance. Prognostic and predictive parameters are classified into three categories. Some of them are an integral part of routine pathohistologicat report, while others are considered as the diagnostic process progresses. Modern knowledge introduces biomarkers into the everyday practice of personalized medicine, especially when is necessary to treat prostate cancer patients.