Editorial Comment

Abstract

Tumor stage and grade have been established as significant prognostic factors in the upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC). 1 Zigeuner R. Pummer K. Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: surgical approach and prognostic factors. Eur Urol. 2008; 53: 720-731 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (140) Google Scholar Stathmin 1 (also known as oncoprotein 18) is the first discovered member of a family of phylogenetically related microtubule-destabilizing phosphoproteins critically involved in the construction and function of the mitotic spindle. It is overexpressed across a broad range of human malignancies (leukemia; lymphoma; neuroblastoma; ovarian, prostatic, breast and lung cancers; and mesothelioma). 2 Rana S. Maples P.B. Senzer N. et al. Stathmin 1: a novel therapeutic target for anticancer activity. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2008; 8: 1461-1470 Crossref PubMed Scopus (135) Google Scholar ReplyUrologyVol. 74Issue 6PreviewUUT-UC is relatively rare and the prognosis is worse than that of bladder UC. Tumor stage and grade have been used as the major prognostic factors. The prognosis in locally advanced or lymph node-metastatic disease was worse than localized disease. There are no good biomarkers for clinical practice to predict the prognosis of patients with localized UUT-UC. These patients with higher risk of recurrence may be closely followed up and receive adequate adjuvant therapy strategies to improve the prognosis. Full-Text PDF Expression of Stathmin in Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Correlations With PrognosisUrologyVol. 74Issue 6PreviewTo investigate the expression of stathmin in upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial carcinoma (UC) in human tissues and to determine whether the level of stathmin expression was correlated with prognosis because overexpression of stathmin has been observed in various malignancies. Full-Text PDF